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Third Tri in London
After an hour at the refugee camp , it was back to the airport to start the journey back to the UK , and the final event of the TriChallenge . Rehan admits that he was feeling the strain , but says coming home to his wife and two daughters really lifted his spirits . The swim leg was in the Shepperton Open Water Swim Reservoir , followed by a bike leg that finished in Rehan ’ s local village of Walton-on-the- Hill , and then he would tackle two scenic trail loops , the first taking in a section of the North Downs Way , and the second running around the Epsom Downs racetrack and Headley Heath , finishing back in Walton-on-the-Hill .
“ I had a friend swim and then do half the bike with me , and other friends from the 300km challenge then run with me , so the finale of the challenge was very special . The whole experience in the UK leg was much smoother thank Uganda , because I was on home territory , using my own bike and gear , and it was a flat route planned well before the time . The swim was slower than expected , but I still felt good , and the bike leg was fun and beautiful . Also , my nutrition in the second and third Ironmans was better dialled in , so that really helped my morale .”
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As a result , the enormous strain that he had put his body through during the week barely showed on Rehan ’ s delighted face as he was met by his family , friends and a glittering “ Welcome Home ” sign in the twilight . And then , finally , it was time to rest … but Rehan says that didn ’ t mean coming to a complete stop , as he changed focus from his physical challenge to his ongoing fundraising |
efforts . “ My goal is to raise 100,000 Pounds through this latest challenge , which would double what we raised last year . I therefore challenged friends and supporters to take on their own challenge , be it 5km or doing a team Ironman , and to raise more funds for ForAfrika .”
Ready for the Next One
Even though he is officially resting now , Rehan admits that there are already a few ‘ simmering ideas ’ as to what he may attempt in 2023 . “ I have no clear plans yet , but whatever I do , my goal is to help people expand their horizons , and I would love to take more people to the six African countries where ForAfrika works . They are beautiful countries , so there are also many possibilities to expand the challenge , but I may not be as extreme in terms of distance or difficulty , as it will be great to get more people on board . I see it as training up the next generation , including my daughters and their friends , to get them involved , and keep the momentum going .”
Rehan adds that he cannot do his fundraising challenges without the support of an incredible team , whom he would like to thank . “ The four main people , my core team and ‘ engine room ,’ are my wife Liesl-Barbara , my sister Anmari Greeff , ForAfrika UK ’ s Carel Meganc , who heads up liaison and logistics in African countries , and Buddy Livingstone Ntambi , who is originally from Uganda . I also want to thank the ForAfrika teams in SA and Uganda – both the employees and volunteers – for looking after us so well during our recent visits , organising visits to ECDs and the refugee site in Uganda . They have an incredible passion for their work and cause , which inspires me .”
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A shattered Rehan at the finish line in the UK |
Quite some tan after three Ironmans in a week ! |
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Rehan was deeply affected by the refugee camp visit in Kisoro |