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


R30,248.00 Given so far
R9 Pledged per Km
0 Days Left

Supported so far by 32 people.

Raised:
75.62%
Goal: R40,000.00
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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