Short Story
Gordon “Lucky Gordy” Reid is a 52-year-old endurance athlete, philanthropist, and Discovery Financial Advisor who’s redefining the idea of a “healthy midlife crisis.” After five operations at age 40, he turned his life around through fitness and purpose—completing a Half Ironman just six months later.
Since then, he’s covered over 8,000 km in events like the Comrades Marathon, Dusi Canoe Marathon, Run for Rangers, and Midmar Mile, raising millions for charity along the way. Now, as a Discovery Financial Advisor, he continues to inspire others over 40 to pursue health, purpose, and growth with courage and humour.
Why I’m Doing the Trans Karoo Spirit Ride
In February 2026, I’ll be cycling 881km over 8 days from Clarens to Cape Town as part of the Trans Karoo Spirit Ride, followed by the Cape Cycle Tour. This isn’t just another adventure—it’s a mission.
I’m riding to raise R40,000 for the Rotary club of Empangeni, who are doing incredible work to uplift destitute communities. I will be raising funds for The Butterfly Home, a rare paediatric palliative care facility caring for orphaned and abandoned children with life-threatening conditions. Donations help provide medical equipment, trained caregivers, outreach services, transport to hospitals, and dignity, comfort, and care for children who need it most.
But this ride is also personal. It’s a celebration of how far I’ve come—from hospital beds to mountain passes. It’s a reminder that midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a calling. And it’s a challenge to anyone watching: if I can do this, so can you.
Please support Gordon “Lucky Gordy” Reid on his ride—every contribution, big or small, helps uplift communities in need.
Wheels of Hope Trans Karoo Spirit Ride
Supported so far by 32 people.
Story
Collectively for nearly 70 years, the Rotary Clubs of Mtunzini, Empangeni in Zululand have been quietly transforming lives through service, innovation, and community-driven action. From healthcare and education to environmental awareness and mobility, their work is powered by one simple thing: the generosity of donors and sponsors.
What began years ago as a bold fundraising idea , a long-distance sponsored cycle ride ,has grown into impactful initiatives like the Trans Karoo Spirit Ride, which has raised over R6 million for meaningful projects across South Africa. These funds support vital causes including hospices, special needs education, environmental education, bicycle distribution, and Rotary global grants that uplift some of the country’s most vulnerable communities.
One of the most urgent and ongoing projects is The Butterfly Home, a rare paediatric palliative care facility caring for orphaned and abandoned children with life-threatening conditions. Donations help provide medical equipment, trained caregivers, outreach services, transport to hospitals, and dignity, comfort, and care for children who need it most.
Alongside this, Rotary’s bicycle distribution programme has delivered thousands of donated bicycles nationwide , helping children get to school, workers access jobs, small businesses grow, and communities become more self-reliant.
Every contribution, big or small, helps Rotary continue this life-changing work. Your support directly impacts real people, real communities, and real futures.
| Name | Donate Amount | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Circus Circus | R4,905.00 | March 27, 2026 5:56 AM |
| Michael | R1,000.00 | March 16, 2026 2:30 PM |
| Pete | R981.00 | March 16, 2026 12:32 PM |
| Devin H | R1,500.00 | March 12, 2026 7:14 AM |
| Anonymous | R2,500.00 | March 11, 2026 7:53 AM |
| Anonymous | R1,962.00 | March 11, 2026 6:36 AM |
| Jade Heffer | R400.00 | March 6, 2026 7:28 PM |
| Midbay Motors | R1,000.00 | March 6, 2026 6:40 AM |
| Robyn | R700.00 | March 6, 2026 5:43 AM |
| Erin Hartley | R200.00 | March 5, 2026 5:49 PM |
| Ty and Nik Nak | R1,000.00 | February 28, 2026 4:28 AM |
| Ryan Mackie | R1,000.00 | February 25, 2026 4:00 PM |
| Mark Elliott | R300.00 | February 25, 2026 9:59 AM |
| Kerry | R300.00 | February 16, 2026 5:06 PM |
| Joanne Bennett | R1,000.00 | February 13, 2026 5:45 PM |
| Cris - Saturday Cycling | R1,000.00 | February 13, 2026 9:38 AM |
| Gavin Selfe | R1,000.00 | February 13, 2026 8:35 AM |
| Bruce | R500.00 | February 13, 2026 7:00 AM |
| Brenda | R500.00 | February 12, 2026 2:59 PM |
| Shaun Trennery | R200.00 | February 12, 2026 10:19 AM |
| Keith | R500.00 | February 11, 2026 4:02 PM |
| Wendy | R500.00 | February 11, 2026 11:33 AM |
| FGro Red | R5,000.00 | February 11, 2026 9:44 AM |
| Duncan | R500.00 | February 10, 2026 10:46 AM |
| Anonymous | R100.00 | February 10, 2026 8:43 AM |
| Vicky | R1,000.00 | February 3, 2026 4:22 PM |
| Angela | R200.00 | January 29, 2026 3:04 AM |
| Catherine | R500.00 | January 28, 2026 10:21 AM |











