As the countdown begins to the 2025 KAP sani2c mountain bike race from 8 to 10 May, an extraordinary story of hope and healing continues to unfold.

Two heart transplant recipients, Billy Macleod (56) and Pedro Basson (20), will again take on the gruelling 265- kilometre course—this time with an even stronger message: to support Hero777, a non- profit organisation based in KZN dedicated to raising awareness for organ and tissue donation in South Africa.

At the heart of this mission is Hero777, founded by Janet Legemaate, whose advocacy for organ donation is deeply personal. Janet is the mother of Matthew Legemaate, who received a life-saving heart transplant as a young adult. Watching her son get a second chance at life inspired her to create Hero777—a platform devoted to honouring donors and encouraging more South Africans to register as organ and tissue donors.

Matthew, Brian and Janet Legemaate

“Hero777 exists to honour the heroes—donors and their families—who selflessly give others a second chance at life,” says Janet. “My son Matthew would not be alive today without that gift. Watching people like Billy and Pedro thrive after their transplants is not only inspiring—it’s a reminder of what’s possible when we say yes to donation. It’s not just about surviving—it’s about truly living.”

This year’s team, Change of Heart, includes transplant recipients Billy and Pedro along with their cycling partners: Steph Bester, CEO of AllLife, and Guy Dudley. The team aims to complete the three-day mountain bike stage race from the Southern Drakensberg to Scottburgh while raising critical awareness for organ and tissue donation through Hero777.

AllLife, a purpose-led life insurance company focused on second chances, returns as the anchor partner for the team’s 2025 ride.

“Supporting Hero777 is deeply aligned with AllLife’s purpose,” says Steph Bester, CEO of AllLife. “We love coming aside people that are courageous and through their actions communicating hope and inspiration to others. Hero777 is a beacon of hope for so many, and we are honoured to ride alongside them in this campaign to raise awareness and drive more South Africans to register as organ donors.” Steph’s personal commitment to the cause goes even further—he is a registered organ donor himself, and his example has inspired the majority of AllLife’s executive leadership team to do the same. Their affiliation with Hero777 has turned advocacy into action, reinforcing AllLife’s culture of purpose and compassion from the top down.

For Janet, the partnership with AllLife brings not only visibility, but strength and legitimacy to the movement Hero777 champions.

“We’re immensely grateful to AllLife for their unwavering support,” she adds. “Their commitment to this cause goes beyond sponsorship—it’s deeply personal. They work with so many clients who face chronic health conditions, and they understand just how vital transplant access can be. Their backing allows us to amplify our message in ways that truly save lives.”

Billy and Pedro’s journeys stand as powerful tributes to the impact of donation. Billy, a seasoned cyclist and triathlete, received his transplant after being given just two weeks to live. He returned to compete in sani2c in 2024.

Steph returns for his 8th Sani2C to mentor Pedro—who, at just 20 years old, will be attempting his first mountain bike stage race since receiving his transplant as a teenager.

AllLife’s broader support includes logistics, social media amplification, and storytelling through their platforms to help boost donor registrations nationwide. Their goal, like Hero777’s, is simple: more heroes, more hope.

To follow Team Change of Heart’s progress or support the cause, visit Hero777’s Facebook page or follow AllLife’s channels at www.instagram.com/alllife_sa and www.facebook.com/AllLifeSA. To register as a donor or learn more about organ and tissue donation, visit www.odf.org.za.

Follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AllLifeSA and https://www.instagram.com/alllife_sa), and visit www.odf.org.za to learn more about organ and tissue donation or register as a donor today.