The grandparents of 10-year-old Reagan Havinga, who died from Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), will cycle through the Italian Alps to raise funds for Msunduzi Hospice, whih supported the family during Reagan’s final months.
Reagan was just 10 years old when he was diagnosed with ALD and died a short eight months later from the rare genetic disorder often misdiagnosed in South Africa as ADHD.
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Reagan’s story touched many in Pietermaritzburg after The Witness and its sister paper, Maritzburg Sun, covered his parents’ journey to raise awareness around ALD in 2022.
10-year-old Reagan Havinga. Photo: Supplied
This May, his grandparents, Tinus (74) and Ann Havinga (60) will take part in the Giro d’Italia, aiming to raise R100 000 through GivenGain to help Msunduzi Hospice continue its vital work.
So far, they have raised R19 215 through the crowdfunding platform.
The couple will travel to Italy on May 10 to participate in one of the world’s oldest cycling races. They will begin at stage 10 on May 19 and end at stage 15 on May 24.
For them, the event is more than a cycling challenge it is a journey of remembrance for their grandson.
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Tinus said the ride, which begins in Marina di Massa and ends in Milan, is a way of carrying Reagan’s spirit across mountains and valleys while keeping his memory alive.
“Reagan was our superhero, and it is that superhero strength we will summon as we ride 400km through Italy’s iconic cycling terrain,” said Havinga.
He said the fundraising effort was also a tribute to the care and compassion the family received from Msunduzi Hospice.
“In those final months, Msunduzi Hospice became a sanctuary. The nurses offered not just medical care, but compassion, dignity and support. That kindness was unforgettable. This ride is not only for Reagan it is also for Hospice. We are very thankful to sister Jo Roberson who was the ever-caring face of Hospice,” he said.
Tinus, an experienced cyclist, has previously competed in four UCI Gran Fondo World Series events, winning two gold medals in time trials in Trento, Italy, and Chania, Greece, as well as a bronze medal in South Africa and a silver medal in a road race in Greece.
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The couple’s route will include several shortened stages of the Giro d’Italia, beginning along the Ligurian coast and through Tuscany before heading across Piedmont and Lake Como.
Their toughest challenge will be Stage 14, a 90km mountain stage ending at the Pila ski resort in the Aosta Valley, featuring a steep 15.9km climb with an average gradient of 7.3%.
For Tinus and Ann, the ride is not about speed or medals, but about honouring Reagan’s memory and turning loss into hope.
“We hope our journey inspires people to support Hospice and help keep Reagan’s legacy alive,” they said.
To donate towards the initiative, use the following GiveGain link.