Meals from a man in motion

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GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT NEWS - Cape Town cyclist Brendan Hurner and his team from Motion4Ladles stopped over in Knysna last week, a third of the way through his 1 000km charity cycle ride from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town in support of the feeding scheme, Ladles of Love.

Hurner embarked on the trip from PE on Monday 24 August, and had made his way to Plettenberg Bay by the afternoon of 25 August, before setting off for Knysna the following morning.

When he arrived in Knysna he was 300km into his ride, and as he got off of his bike at Oakhill School all he could say was, "Wow!".

For his stop in Knysna on Wednesday 26 August, Hurner and the Motion4Ladles team joined hands with Sasko, Oakhill, and Rotary Knysna to help make and distribute 5 000 peanut butter-and-jam sandwiches.

Before he could get to the sandwich-making, however, Hurner was met by Oakhill's Grade 1 learners who had been exploring the superhero theme of late. They handed him a special thank-you card inscribed with the message "We need more real-life superheroes like you".

"This is really special to me," he responded in surprise, "I can't express what it means – small acts like these are what get you through tough spots in the ride," Hurner said. After gratefully accepting the card, it was time to get on with the sandwiches.

Thando Rolisisu was one of the learners taking part. Photo: Blake Linder

Oakhill elicited help from its teachers, staff, and Grade 9 learners. With tables, hands, cutlery, all sanitised and everyone having donned their aprons and hair nets, the teams set out to tackle the task at hand at 09:30.

"Today we are looking to put food into the mouths of 5 000 hungry children who otherwise wouldn't have a meal, so make sure you make every last bit count," Hurner said when addressing the large group of helpers at Oakhill. Less than an hour-and-a-half later they had managed to clear through all 500 loaves of bread having made the 5 000 sandwiches. The team from Rotary picked up the sandwiches and distributed them far and wide, from Brackenhill through to Rheenendal communities in need.

"This has been absolutely amazing, I can't believe how hard everybody worked, and to reach this number so quickly is brilliant," a jubilant and thankful Hurner said.

Photo gallery: Brendan Hurner makes a stop in Knysna

Hurner is raising the money for Ladles of Love through BackaBuddy, and the campaign will end this Sunday 6 September.

Diana Herrmann from Ladles of Love alongside Brendan Hurner, accepting the striking card from Oakhill's Grade 1s. Photos: Blake Linder