Tollner embarked on this epic journey after hearing that a family member, 20-month-old James Read, had been diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia (JMML).
Although treatable, it is imperative that a bone marrow match is found for the youngster as soon as possible. "When I received the news I just knew that I had to do something to help little James.
"I decided that this ride would make people aware of the need to find matching bone marrow donors, not only for James but for the hundreds of children suffering with leukaemia."
With only his mountain bike as company Tollner set off from Cape Point on 2 July and zigzagged across the countryside. He travelled through Greyton, McGregor, Montague, Van Wyksdorp, Oudtshoorn, George, finally arriving in Knysna nine days later (11 July), just in time to complete the marathon.
On his arrival in Knysna, Tollner was met by supporters, family and friends at Knysna's White Washed coffee shop on Friday.
Throughout his journey Tollner was dressed as a cow, the national dress code for members of the NGO The Cows. This group of like-minded people embark on their own fundraising efforts, supported by The Cows, all with one thing in mind: to assist all children bravely fighting the scourge of cancer. During this year's half and full Knysna Forest Marathon many cows were seen joining the herd in showing their support in the fight against cancer.
On crossing the marathon's finish line (which also marked the end of his journey), Tollner said, "It was very, very sweet to finally get to that finish line that had consumed my thoughts for many hundreds of kilometres." He added that the journey may be over for him, "but for little James it is only the beginning".
For further information on how to support James Read visit his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ForJamesRead.
James Read
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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