Hearts on the Trail: Team Change of Heart Celebrates an Unforgettable Sani2C Finish

Four riders. Three days. Two heart transplant recipients. One unforgettable journey.

From 8 to 10 May 2025, Team Change of Heart took on one of South Africa’s most iconic and demanding mountain bike stage races — the KAP sani2c Trail — and crossed the finish line not only with medals, but with hearts full of pride, laughter, and purpose.

For those who followed the team’s journey through earlier press releases and updates, you’ll know the story began with courage and determination. What unfolded on the trail was even more powerful — a testament to the human spirit, and a tribute to the gift of life through organ donation.

     
Guy Dudley, Steph Bester, Billy Macleod and Pedro Basson

The Team That Stole the Show

Comprising Pedro Basson (20) and Billy Macleod (56) — both heart transplant recipients — as well as Steph Bester, CEO of AllLife, and veteran cyclist Guy Dudley, Team Change of Heart entered the e-bike edition of the race with one clear goal: to inspire and raise awareness for organ donation through the non-profit foundation Hero777.

And inspire they did.

From Day 1 to Day 3, the team rode not just with legs and lungs, but with gratitude, humour, and unwavering determination. The camaraderie was infectious. The support team — including Liesl Viljoen and Janet Legemaate, founder of Hero777 — was constantly on the move, trying to stay ahead of the four unstoppable riders.

Pedro, the youngest participant in the race, was nothing short of phenomenal. His energy, grit, and humility crept deep into the hearts of his teammates — and anyone lucky enough to meet him along the trail.

“I came to learn, to ride, and to honour the gift I received,” Pedro said at the finish. “But I left with a family. The last three days have been some of the best of my life.”

A Rocky Start — and a Hero Named Gareth

Day 1 began with a hiccup. Billy’s bike suffered mechanical issues early on, threatening to derail his ride. But in a beautiful twist of fate and community, a fellow rider named Gareth — who had unfortunately taken a bad fall and could not continue — offered his own bicycle to Billy.

“Gareth, thank you,” Billy said after the race. “Your generosity changed everything. I rode that bike with purpose, for you and for my donor. I won’t forget it.”

Once Billy was back in the saddle, there was no stopping the team. Pedro led the charge with youthful fire, while Steph and Guy set a steady, experienced pace to keep the group cohesive.

Banters, Bonding, and Early-Morning Antics

The race wasn’t without its humorous moments. Billy was a frequent source of morning drama — from waking the entire crew before sunrise to “dawdling like an old lady” and delaying the team’s rollout.

“Let’s just say Billy’s idea of ‘I’ll be ready in five’ needs a redefinition,” laughed Steph. “But we wouldn’t have it any other way. He brought warmth, spirit, and a lot of noise!”

Guy, the only rider on a traditional mountain bike (not an e-bike), was a silent powerhouse, often leaving early from waterpoints to get a head start, and never once falling behind.

“Guy deserves a medal of his own,” said Steph, “He was incredibly strong and humble. He gave us all someone to chase!”

ICONIC Moments and New Horizons

Day 2 — known as the most gruelling — featured the legendary Iconic Climb, and it was Pedro who stunned the field by being the first of the group to reach the top, his face beaming with joy and disbelief.

“I didn’t even realise where I was at first,” Pedro said. “Then I saw the banner and I thought, ‘Wait — I just did Iconic?!’ That moment was huge for me.”

Pedro Basson and Billy Macleod at the top of the ICONIC CLIMB

Behind the scenes, Steph’s leadership was undeniable. Whether he was mentoring Pedro, motivating Billy, or keeping spirits high when the “jackals bit” (aka cramping), he was the glue of the team.

“This team reminded me why I ride,” Steph said. “Pedro’s grit, Billy’s humour, Guy’s quiet strength — we all brought something. And together, we finished strong.”

A Surprise at the Finish Line

As if the finish line couldn’t get any sweeter, Pedro’s parents — Paul and Rene Basson — flew in to surprise him just as he crossed it.

“There are no words,” Pedro said, eyes brimming with tears. “Seeing them there, waiting for me — that moment will stay with me forever.”

Paul and Rene shared in the pride and emotion. “We are so incredibly proud of Pedro,” said Paul. “From hospital beds to mountain bike stages — he’s shown us what true courage looks like.”

The Basson Family at the finish line. Paul, Pedro and Rene Basson

Janet’s Perspective: A Cause Carried on Two Wheels

For Janet Legemaate, founder of Hero777, the ride was personal and profound.

“This wasn’t just about a race. It was about showing South Africa that transplant recipients aren’t just surviving — they’re thriving,” she said. “To see Pedro and Billy finish, supported by Steph and Guy, is a reminder of the power of the human spirit. This is why Hero777 exists — to bring hope and awareness through action.”

Janet Legemaate, Steph Bester, Guy Dudley, Liesl Viljoen, Pedro Basson and Billy Macleod

Janet continued, “Every waterpoint we reached, every cheer from the sidelines, every donor story shared — it mattered. We hope the country hears the message loud and clear: organ donation saves lives.”

What’s Next for Team Change of Heart?

The adventure doesn’t end here.

Pedro and Billy are now looking ahead to the World Transplant Games this August, and the sani2c has proven to be the perfect preparation. Already, Steph, Billy and Pedro are plotting new races, which has the support team raising eyebrows and feigning concern.

“We can’t keep up with these four!” Liesl joked. “Every time they start talking, it ends in another potential race entry!”

Steph laughed, “I think we’ve created a monster in Pedro and Billy— and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Legacy on the Trail

As the dust settles on sani2c 2025, the legacy of Team Change of Heart is just beginning. They’ve redefined what’s possible for transplant recipients, proven the power of second chances, and rallied an entire community around the cause of organ donation.

Their story is one of resilience, connection, and a whole lot of heart.

Guy Dudley, Steph Bester, Pedro Basson and Billy Macleod

And to all the Pedro’s and Billys out there — may their wheels keep turning, their hearts keep beating, and their stories keep inspiring.

Be a Hero. Be a Donor.

To learn more about organ and tissue donation, or to register, visit www.odf.org.za and support Hero777.

Follow the journey of Team Change of Heart on Instagram and Facebook @TeamChangeOfHeart.

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.