5FM DJ to cycle for Charity

In his private capacity, 5FM's weekend 2-5pm host and sports reporter, Rob Vember, is an ambassador for the Chaeli Campaign. This non-profit organisation was founded in 2004 by five girls between the ages of six and 12, in order to raise funds for a motorised wheelchair for young Chaeli Mycroft. They managed to raise R20 000 in seven weeks by selling painted cards and miniature pot plants.

This initiative by five plucky youngsters has since mushroomed and today the Chaeli Campaign runs several programmes and advocacy events in support of differently abled children, highlighting the importance of inclusion and diversity in society. When big-hearted Rob was approached to take on the gruelling 109km route of the Cape Argus on behalf on this charity, he jumped at the opportunity.

"Every time I'm asked why I'm doing this my immediate response is that this must be one of the craziest things that I've ever done, says Rob Vember. At the end of the day I've always been mentally strong, so this physical challenge has provided an entirely new personal dimension to my life. All that aside, the Chaeli Campaign is close to my heart and I quite simply could not say no. It is for a really good cause and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of it."

5FM secured 20 late entries for those listeners and internal staff to ride the Argus, and Vember has assembled a cracking team to make up the (Cycling)5 contingent: DJs Grant Nash and Anele Mdoda, sports presenter Owen Hannie and some members of the 5FM operations team as well as 12 lucky listeners who have just as little experience but are keen to take up the challenge and be fuelled by the Power of 5!

5FM's sports hottie Owen Hannie is a seasoned cyclist and will be assisting the rest of the team members in training for this taxing yet exhilarating test of human endurance. Rob is going all out, enlisting the services of personal trainer Francois Jordaan and cycling coach Jamie Ball.

Expert importers and distributors of Specialized Bicycle Components, Le Peleton, has supplied Specialized bicycles for the team members, while Marc Wilkinson is psyching up the cyclists with training tips and workouts.

Francois, who is helping Rob tone up and increase his fitness in the run-up to the big day, is confident that his charge will finish this extremely challenging race “ and will enjoy himself while doing it.

He's doing absolutely fabulously. He's a very motivated and determined guy, and that alone is a plus going into a race like this," he says. I think he sees it as a personal quest, in addition to the charitable aspect of it.

On race day, the 5FM's (cycling)5 team will be stepping out in snazzy new specially designed kits, with distinctive white, black and red 5FM branding so look out for them along the route, which includes Chapman's Peak this year.

5FM will also be conducting outside broadcasts from Cape Town over the weekend of 6, 7 and 8 March, with Grant and Anele updating listeners on their preparations on Friday afternoon and Rob providing a taste of the excitement and pre-race nerves during the build-up on Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday, there will be a crossing to the (Cycling) 5 team once they have completed the race “ aching calves, rubbery muscles and all!

Rob Vember rules!" says Zelda Mycroft, CEO of the Chaeli Campaign, who also happens to be Chaeli's mum. As the catalyst and the driving force behind the 5FM initiative, Rob is a true friend of the Chaeli Campaign. We believe that the work we do is innovative, bold and courageous, and we are humbled and delighted to have the Power of 5 to create a national awareness around our organisation.

Be sure to tune in to 5FM over Argus weekend or head out and line the route to cheer along the (Cycling) 5 team and experience the thrills and the agony of the race vicariously while thanking your lucky stars that it's them, and not you that's doing it!

For more information please visit www.5fm.co.za or www.chaelicampaign.co.za