Billy Macleod will try an unprecedented feat from April 23 to 25, 2024: he wants to be the first heart transplant recipient in South Africa to finish the three-day “KAP sani2c Trail” mountain bike (MTB) stage event!
Billy is a highly accomplished pre-transplant cyclist and athlete who has finished four sani2c races. He is determined to make up lost time. Heart problems took him off the pitch and prevented him from doing what he loves most for six years. Almost eighteen months after his heart transplant went well, Billy is now prepared to reach new heights and give his all to finish a race he loves.
Billy needs a teammate who is an experienced rider with several sani2c because it’s a team race.
The adventurous team will compete in the KAP sani2c Trail, an e-bike version of the legendary event that begins two days prior to the KAP sani2c Race and one day before the KAP sani2c Adventure. Billy is going to ride a Cannondale-sponsored e-bike. The two want to encourage others who face obstacles akin to Billy’s to reach their goals and fully embrace life.
Billy was given two weeks to live by the physicians, so his heart transplant came at the perfect time. Not knowing if he would survive or what type of life awaited him if he did, he faced the terrible chore of saying goodbye to his wife and kid as he got ready for surgery. Billy, however, was adamant about winning, and after
Billy describes his reasoning for trying to complete a sani2c race: “I set a goal to compete in a stage race to stay positive through uncertain days.” I’m doing it for a variety of reasons, including to show that life goes on after a transplant, to respect my donor and carry on their legacy, to promote organ and tissue donation, to just enjoy riding, and to honour my family, without whom I could not have done this. Speaking of making things possible, I have the utmost gratitude for the advancements in technology, such as e-bikes, which enable me and those like me to carry on with our passions.
Steph Bester, Billy’s teammate, felt honoured and humbled when Billy asked him to race. The two have the backing of
Steph expressed gratitude to Glen for his support of the project. “People’s true experiences of conquering obstacles and demonstrating to the world what is possible with the correct mindset and attitude have always motivated me. Billy is one of those folks, in my opinion. Sani2c is a unique race that is challenging and incredibly gratifying, and I’m excited to go on this journey with Billy.
Steph humorously responded, “Leaving breadcrumbs for him to follow, loads of humour and the odd deep meaningful conversation when you see a hill in front that you wished wasn’t there!” when asked how he expects to accompany Billy throughout the race given Billy’s unique circumstances. Joking aside, Billy is an inspiration, so we’ll choose a speed that
Billy plans to use the KAP Sanitac Trail as a means of generating awareness and money for Hero777. Billy is very passionate about the foundation, which raises awareness about organ and tissue donation in South Africa. Although this is Billy’s first stage race, it’s not his first post-transplant cycling event with the Hero777 banner.
If Billy appears recognisable to someone who isn’t a cyclist, it’s most likely because you know him as an AllLife brand spokesperson! Take a look at this video.
Billy is a huge supporter of what AllLife is doing in the market, so we are really happy to be affiliated with him. Being able to help Billy with his work and raise awareness for Hero777 is such a blessing.
