20-Year-Old Transplant Recipient Pedro Basson Gears Up for His First Stage Race, mentored by AllLife’s CEO Steph Bester

Pedro Basson, preparing for Sani2C on the Cannondale E-Bike

Johannesburg, South Africa – 30 April 2025 – Following the emotional announcement of Team Change of Heart’s participation in the upcoming KAP sani2c Trail, attention now turns to the youngest and perhaps most remarkable member of the team — Pedro Basson, a 20-year-old heart transplant recipient whose determination, humility, and grit are inspiring a new generation of South Africans.

Pedro, who received his heart transplant as a teenager, is preparing to tackle his first multi-day mountain bike stage race, the gruelling yet breathtaking KAP sani2c Trail from 8–10 May 2025. With 265 kilometres of rugged terrain stretching from the Southern Drakensberg to Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, the race is a test of endurance, resilience, and heart — in every sense of the word.

A Team Built on Purpose and Passion

Pedro is part of Team Change of Heart, a four-person team composed of two heart transplant recipients — Pedro and 56-year-old cycling veteran Billy Macleod — and two experienced riders: Steph Bester, CEO of AllLife, back for the 8^th time at Sani2C and Guy Dudley, a seasoned cyclist and passionate supporter of the team.

The team’s mission is simple yet profound: to demonstrate what is possible after a life-saving transplant and to raise awareness around organ and tissue donation in South Africa through their support of Hero777.

Pedro’s inclusion in the team was first announced in the initial blog that highlighted the transformative comeback of Billy Macleod in 2024. Billy, who completed the sani2c Trail just two years after his transplant, is now passing the baton — and the hope — to Pedro.

Steph Bester CEO of AllLife with Billy Macleod

“Billy’s story lit the fire,” says Pedro, reflecting on what motivated him to take on the race. “I saw what he did last year, and I thought — if he can do it, so can I. I want to push myself. I want to see what I’m capable of.”

Mentorship on the Trail

Pedro’s journey is being closely guided by Steph Bester, who, after missing the 2024 race due to illness, is now more determined than ever to ride alongside the team.

“I couldn’t be prouder to be mentoring Pedro on this journey,” says Steph. “He is a symbol of courage and humility. At AllLife, we are inspired by real people with courageous and inspiring stories that brings hope and encouragement to others. Watching Pedro train, watching him grow, and being there for his first stage race is a privilege. He may be the youngest in the group, but his heart and spirit lead us all.”

Pedro Basson, Steph Bester and his daughter Gené.

A Boost with Balance: Pedro’s Cannondale E-Bike

Thanks to Cannondale, Pedro recently received an e-bike that is helping him prepare for the tough climbs and long distances of the race. But while he’s grateful for the boost, he’s equally determined not to rely on it too much.

“I absolutely love the e-bike — it’s amazing, especially on the big climbs,” Pedro says with a smile. “But I’ve told myself, I want to do the work. I don’t want to get lazy. I’m using it as a tool, not a crutch.”

A week before the race, Pedro is doing 40 to 60 km training rides daily, switching between the e-bike and his standard mountain bike to maintain discipline and build strength. He admits that adjusting to the weight of the e-bike, which is heavier than what he’s used to, has been a learning curve.

“It’s definitely heavier — you feel it when you’re off the power. But it’s helping me build more power in my legs and get used to different mechanics. It’s making me a stronger rider overall,” he adds.

Eyes on the Finish Line — and Beyond

Pedro’s main goal for the KAP sani2c Trail is straightforward and powerful: to finish the race. But there’s a personal challenge he’s set for himself too — to use as little of the e-bike’s battery as possible.

“Every kilometre I do on my own power is a win for me. I want to finish this race knowing I gave it everything.”

Looking ahead, Pedro’s ambitions don’t stop with sani2c. He’s already set his sights on completing the Trans Baviaans, one of South Africa’s toughest single-stage MTB races, and eventually a half Ironman. His vision is to keep pushing boundaries and to become a beacon of possibility for others living with chronic conditions.

“I’ve been given this second chance. I want to use it fully, to inspire others, and to enjoy every adventure that comes with it. Sani2C is the beginning of that journey.”

A Celebration of Life, Resilience, and Community

Pedro’s journey and that of Team Change of Heart are not just about physical endurance — they’re about emotional resilience, shared purpose, and the power of support systems. Whether it’s the encouragement from his teammates, the mentorship of Steph, or the backing from AllLife, Pedro is surrounded by a community that believes in him.

“Knowing I’ve got a team behind me — people who understand this journey, who’ve lived it — it means the world. Every ride, every kilometre, I know I’m not alone,” he says.

Team Change of Heart’s participation is once again amplifying the message of organ and tissue donation through Hero777. For AllLife, it’s a cause that hits home — a reminder of the lives that can be saved and transformed through a simple act of registration.

Steph concludes: “Pedro is exactly why we ride. Every person deserves the chance to pursue their dreams, no matter their medical history. We hope his story inspires South Africans to sign up as donors and to support those who’ve been given another shot at life.”

Follow the Journey

As the countdown to race day begins, South Africans are invited to follow Team Change of Heart’s adventure on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/alllife_sa/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AllLifeSA). Expect stories from the trail, updates from Pedro’s ride, and snapshots of a journey powered by heart, hope, and human connection.

Visit www.odf.org.za to learn more about organ and tissue donation or register as a donor today.

For media enquiries, interviews or to support the campaign:

Media Contact:
Liesl Viljoen, Head of Marketing, AllLife
+27 83 307 5255
liesl@alllife.co.za

or

Elaine Boardman, AllLife

+27 83 630 7229

elaine@alllife.co.za

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.