On 8 March 2013 it will be 30 years since my open heart surgery at Red Cross War Memorial Children's hospital in Cape Town. To mark this personal milestone and to raise funds and pay tribute to the hospital that saved my life, I am riding the Cape Argus cycle tour which runs 109km around the beautiful Cape peninsula on 10 March 2013.

Fast facts:

1. The Argus cycle race was inaugurated the year I was born: 1978.

2. Before the operation, I could barely run due to the low amount of oxygen in my blood.

3. People with Atrial Septal Defects now have keyhole surgery to fix a hole, obviating the need for open heart surgery.

Please support the Red Cross children's hospital by donating through JustGiving which is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate.

Thank you!