Abu Dhabi resident Tom Millward is racing after a brighter future for children of the UAE by taking part in the monumental Absa Cape Epic in his home country of South Africa.
“All sorts of people take part – these guys that are ex-Formula One, ex-rugby players – then an average family man in a mid-life crisis like me decided to do it,” said Millward.
The Absa Cape Epic is the largest full-service mountain bike stage race in the world, where amateur and professional mountain bikers from across the globe flock to the Western Cape to take part in the eight-day, 800km ride.
Ahead of the cross-country epic, Millward will be participating in a race through the mountains of Fujairah.
“Technically mountain biking is a bit more challenging,” says Millward. “With roads you know what to anticipate, but when mountain biking you’re riding on rocky paths so it can vary. Expect the unexpected.”
No stranger to charity cycling expeditions, Millward raised AED 70,000 for children with disabilities during a three-day ride across Oman. This year, Millward has chosen to race for the Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE, a global non-profit organisation that grants the wishes of children aged three to 18 who have been diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. The foundation, which is chaired by HH Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, creates an avenue of hope, strength and joy to nationals and expatriates alike.
“We are thrilled that Tom has chosen to raise funds for Make-A-Wish UAE as he trains for the Cape Epic race,” said Melanie Raymer, marketing and communications manager of Make-A-Wish UAE. “The funds raised will go towards granting more wishes for our ‘wish kids’ and creating awareness of what our foundation does is invaluable. The more people that know about the foundations’ work, the bigger the opportunity for the community here in the UAE to really get involved and ‘Share the Power of a Wish’! This is an exciting initiative and we wish him well!”
Millward is planning various fundraisers throughout the capital, the proceeds of which will go directly to Make-A-Wish UAE. Residents who wish to support Millward and his cause can drop in on a Tuesday evening at Yas Marina Circuit or visit Make-A-Wish UAE: www.makeawish.ae
You can also catch the action of the race live on the Absa Cape Epic YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/absacapeepic
