Andru van Zyl's 2,500 km cycling journey for childhood cancer awareness

In a remarkable demonstration of resilience and compassion, 18-year-old Andru Van Zyl has completed an extraordinary solo journey, cycling more than 2,500 kilometres from Polokwane to Cape Town to raise funds and awareness for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa. This remarkable feat not only exemplifies the spirit of youth empowerment but also serves as a poignant reminder of the battles faced by children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders.

Andru’s journey, which is part of the broader mission of The Cows—a collective dedicated to turning personal challenges into life-affirming support for childhood cancer families—was inspired by the heart-wrenching experience of witnessing a close friend endure cancer treatment while he served as head boy at Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies). Determined to make a difference, he dedicated his matric holiday to fundraising through The Cows, embodying the message of collective care and compassion that drives both the organisation and the foundation.

Armed with just his father’s mountain bike and essential supplies strapped onto it, Andru braved the roads of South Africa, riding along back roads and lengthy stretches of highway. His incredible journey has been bolstered by the generous support of local communities, fellow cyclists, and businesses, all reflecting the shared ethos that underpins both The Cows and CHOC. His endeavor has thus far raised over R550,000—a significant contribution towards enabling CHOC to continue providing practical, emotional, and educational support to families going through the challenging journey of childhood cancer treatment.

The funds raised through this campaign play a pivotal role in enabling CHOC to offer vital services such as accommodation near hospitals, food support, psychosocial services, and nutritional care. Each donation, regardless of magnitude, contributes to the overall mission of alleviating the burdens faced by those affected by childhood cancer.

As he neared the end of his arduous journey, Andru achieved academic excellence, completing his matric with six distinctions and securing tentative acceptance to the prestigious University of Pretoria Medical School. His inspiring journey serves as a powerful illustration of how young people can transform empathy into meaningful action, making a palpable difference in the lives of others.

Andru is expected to reach Cape Town on Thursday, 22 January, at midday, and the public is invited to welcome him at Mandela Glasses on the Sea Point Promenade, celebrating not only his incredible achievement but the spirit of solidarity that he embodies.

For those interested in supporting childhood cancer initiatives, participation in The Cows offers an engaging way to make an impact, as members are encouraged to explore their passions through various challenges—swimming, cycling, running, and more—all while rallying around a good cause.