On his bike for children's surgeries

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - In a month's time, on Friday 24 February, Dr André Hattingh will reach Mossel Bay with his Harley Davidson Road King - just over the halfway mark of his 7 000km charity motorbike ride for children in medical need.

This marks Hattingh's fourth "Ride for a Child" bike ride around South Africa, visiting the most northern, southern, eastern and western points in the country accessible by road bike during this epic trip.

Hattingh will leave Mossel Bay on 25 February and cruise through the Garden Route on his way to his next stop at Gqeberha.

The purpose of this charity ride is to generate funds for 1 000 surgeries for 1 000 children (#HELPMYOP) and to raise awareness of the plight of children who require surgery and medical treatment. These children cannot get help because they are either without parents, or their parents are too poor.

Companies and private persons can sponsor Hattingh for R1 per kilometre in aid of this cause. In addition, motorbike clubs or individual riders are invited to join him en route around South Africa as guest riders. Guest riders will qualify to purchase a ride for a child 2023 badge for R50 as part of the fundraising drive.

Hattingh will depart from Pick n Pay at White River Square shopping centre in White River, Mpumalanga on 12 February at 09:00 and will arrive back at Pick n Pay at 13:00 on Saturday 4 March. He will be accompanied by a support vehicle.

"It is not how far you ride, or what you ride that is important, it is the joining up and showing that you care for our children that is important," says Hattingh.

Through this initiative the campaign hopes to assist 45 children with surgeries and 400 children with visits to private specialists in 2023.

Documents for sponsorship and guest riders are available on the website www.pediatriccareafrica.org.

Dr André Hattingh and the "Ride for a Child" mascot, Olaf.

Road history

Hattingh has already covered 21 000km on his motorbike for his cause and if he successfully completes this year's charity ride, the distance will be 28 000km and 84 days on the road.

Hattingh is looking forward to seeing the Kalahari after the good rains as the Kalahari has very special attraction and beauty, the food of "Ouma kos" in Upington and of course lunch at Muisbosskerm near Lambert's Bay in the Western Cape.

Hattingh is a bit of a foodie and has written his own cookbook.

Loud pipes save lives

Hattingh is the CEO and founder of Pediatric Care Africa, which was founded in 2017 and so far has handed out the equivalent of over 2,2 million meals and over 5 000 baby packs containing baby milk/food and nappies.

The organisation has also enabled 5 895 persons to receive free medical treatment and 1 390 children were taken to private doctors and specialists, with more than 100 receiving surgeries.

"Motorbike riders are without doubt the most caring charitable people around, and are well known for getting behind charitable causes," says Hattingh, "and we need your support more than before this year, as the demand for medical care and baby food is sky high.

"Sponsorship will no doubt assist us at Pediatric Care Africa to arrange surgeries and medical treatment for underprivileged children. We as people and bike riders of South Africa can save countless lives of children who cannot receive adequate surgery or medical treatment, simply because they are poor."