On Monday, 5 October 2015, a 21-year old student from Potchefstroom will attempt to wake up SA, one pedal stroke at a time, in what will be known as the 24 Hour Ultimate Challenge. His motivation? To raise awareness of childhood cancer, and to raise funds for childhood cancer NPO, the Little Fighters Cancer Trust (LFCT).
Spurred into action after visiting the LFCT facebook page and recognising the severe lack of childhood cancer awareness in his country and a need for tactile support to children with cancer and their families, Francois ‘Faf’ Naude decided to do something instead of just passively lamenting the status quo. The 24 Hour Challenge is the first on his list of planned cycling challenges, soon to be followed by assaults on numerous World records.
The 24 Hour Challenge will start at 14:00 on October 5th, just outside Hoedspruit, and comprises of six legs in total, with a 15 minute break between legs. The end of this one-man race across Mpumalanga will be Volksrust, and Francois will need to maintain an average speed of 23-25 kilometres per hour to finish within the 24 hours.
Unforeseen challenges Francois might face on the road may include extreme weather conditions, exhaustion, dehydration, muscle fatigue and low night temperatures. However, all of this is within this determined fitness fanatic’s comfort zone. As he puts it, “I am just the guy on the bike; I am not worried about the distance, conditions or the time. I know I can do it. I have my mind set on it already. My biggest concern is that I really want to make a big splash for the Little Fighters Cancer Trust and highlight the incredible work they do for children with cancer.”
Following its first attempt in support of LFCT – the Seven7 Drive, in which three intrepid adventurers travelled 7000km, through 7 countries, in just 7 days in a new Kia Sorento – Kia Motors SA will be the main sponsor of the 24 Hour Ultimate Challenge. Francois’s cycling attempt will include the well-known Seven7 Drive Sorento as official support vehicle, with a three member support team comprising Kia SA’s social media manager, Randy Robertson; events organiser and avid cycling enthusiast, Stephanie Scorgie; and Douglas Rathbone, a sports scientist, cycling specialist and former Kaizer Chiefs conditioning coach.
With regular updates on Francois’s progress and conditions on the road, which will be provided in video and photographic form, Francois hopes to create a great presence on social media and mainstream media, highlighting childhood cancer awareness as well as creating momentum for the fundraising opportunities which both the public and corporate SA can get behind.
To make donations in support of the 24 Hour Ultimate Challenge – which directly benefits the Little Fighters Cancer Trust – as easy as possible, a variety of options are available. The quickest and easiest way to do so, is to SMS the word “GOLD” to 40770, through which a once-off donation of R20 is made to LFCT. Additionally, donations can also be made through the safe and secure online donations platform, BackABuddy, by visiting https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/francoiss-united-challenge-for-little-fig
However, for the 24 Hour Ultimate Challenge, KIA Motors and Little Fighters Cancer Trust is urging corporates to pledge a donation in support of Francois’ cycling effort.
If he finishes Leg 1 of the 6 within the 24 hours: Donate R100.00
If he finishes Legs 1 & 2 of the 6 within the 24 hours: donate R250.00
If he finishes Legs 1, 2 & 3 of the 6 within the 24 hours: donate R500.00
If he finishes Legs 1, 2, 3 & 4 of the 6 within the 24 hours: donate R750.00
If he finishes Legs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 within the 24 hours: donate R1 000.00
If he finishes ALL SIX LEGS (440km) WITHIN 24 HOURS: donate R2 500.00 to the Little Fighters Cancer Trust.
