Tollner embarked on this epic journey after hearing that a family member, 20-month-old James Read had been diagnosed with a rare form of Lleukaemia (JMML). Although treatable, it is imperative that a bone marrow match for the youngster is found as soon as possible. "When I received the heart-wrenching news I just knew that I had to do something to help little James. I decided that this ride would make people aware of the need to find matching bone marrow donors, not only for James but for the hundreds of children suffering with leukaemia."
With only his mountain bike as company Tollner set off from Cape Point on July 2 and zig-zagged across the countryside. He travelled through Greyton, McGregor, Montague, Van Wyksdorp, Oudtsdhoorn, George, finally arriving in Knysna nine days later on July 11, just in time to complete the marathon.
On his arrival in Knysna Tollner was met by supporters, family and friends at Knysna's White Washed Coffee shop. Tollner shared his experiences with those present. Amongst the well-wishers were young James' uncle, Dave Sims who had flown from Johannesburg to thank Tollner on behalf of the family. He aslo thanked Tollner's wife Lara and son Ket.
For his marathon effort Tollner was dressed as a cow, the national dress code for members of the NGO The Cows. This group of like-minded people embark on their own fundraising efforts, supported by The Cows, to assist all children bravely fighting cancer. During this year's half and full Knysna Forest Marathon many cows were seen joining the herd in the fight against cancer.
On crossing the finish line a tired, but happy Tollner smiled and said: "It was very, very sweet to finally get to that finish line that had consumed my thoughts for many hundreds of kilometres." He added that the journey may be over for him, "but for little James it is only the beginning".
"Journeys like these are as much about learning and growing as they are about passing on those moments and lessons and trying to share those little things that may seem trivial at the time, but that are all too often misplaced under the daily clutter of our busy lives," said a humble Tollner.
In closing he encouraged others to join in the fundraising efforts saying, "get a bike, get a map and go riding. When you think that you've gone far enough, go a little further before you turn back."
For further information on how to support James Read, visit his Facebook page, forjamesread.
The 20 month-old James Read's recent diagnosis of leukemia motivated a relative Eric Tollner to cycle unaided from Cape Point to Knysna and then complete the full Knysna Forest Marathon in an effort to create awareness of the need for bone marrow donors.
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN
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