Two local heroes are preparing to take on one of the Western Cape’s toughest mountain bike races in honour of what they call Cape Town’s real heroes—the patients and staff of St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care.

Regan Bagley and Jermaine Carelse are set to ride the gruelling Wines2Whales three-day stage race later this year, aiming to raise funds and awareness for St Joseph’s—a non-profit children’s hospital in Montana, Cape Town, celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2025.

The Wines2Whales race, part of the prestigious Epic Series, draws riders from around the globe to tackle steep climbs, rugged trails and breathtaking landscapes of the Western Cape. But for Bagley and Carelse, this challenge is more than a race—it’s a tribute to the strength, courage, and compassion they witnessed at St Joseph’s.

The duo officially launches their campaign on International Children’s Day, 1 June 2025, by riding the demanding GravDuro endurance event in Elgin Grabouw—an early test of what’s to come.

Their race entries and accommodation for Wines2Whales have been generously sponsored by Security Consortium, while Cycle Lab N1 City is supporting them with bike maintenance as well as the event entries for the GravDuro.

Riding for Cape Town’s Children

St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care is a 175-bed facility that provides free, transitional care to children from vulnerable communities who are too ill to return home. Many of the young patients suffer from serious conditions like cerebral palsy, brain injuries, cancer, and neurological disorders, and require ongoing rehabilitative, restorative, or palliative and respite care.

Bagley, who first connected with St Joseph’s while looking for outreach opportunities in Cape Town, says the experience left a lasting impact.

“We met the nurses, therapists, support staff… we saw smiles and we saw tears. We were shown the sanctuary, where families say goodbye to their little ones. It broke our hearts,” he shares.
“As a father, it stays with you. You’re meant to protect your child. The dignity and love the staff give to these children and families—it’s beyond admirable.”

Their mission, he explains, is also about showing up as positive male role models for children who may not have family support.

“Some of these kids have no father figure, some have parents who can’t afford to visit, even from nearby communities. We want them to know: some men care, we see them, and want to make a difference.”

Fuelled by Courage, Inspired by Care

Although both Bagley and Carelse are experienced road cyclists, Wines2Whales will push them beyond their comfort zones—covering over 4,500 metres of elevation over three days. But they are training hard, motivated not by podiums, but by purpose.

“It’s not about chasing time,” says Carelse. “It’s about riding with everything we’ve got—for those children, for the staff. If they can give 200% every day, we can too. We’ll push through every obstacle knowing who we’re doing it for.”

And it’s a message they hope will ripple beyond their ride. Bagley and Carelse want to inspire all South Africans to make a difference in the lives of others.

“If we all stand together, we can make the burden a little bit lighter for the parents and the awesome staff who are relentlessly pushing on day after day to help children with life-limiting chronic illnesses feel better, live better, smile and play, because every child deserves that. Children are our future”

To support Regan and Jermaine’s ride for St Joseph’s or to donate:
👉 CLICK HERE
Your contribution will help restore a fragile child’s chance to walk, talk, and thrive—beyond hospital walls.
As a registered NPO, St Joseph’s can provide donors with a Section 18A tax certificate. To receive a Section 18a tax certificate from us, please send an email with the payment confirmation to development@stjosephsipc.org.za

“If we all stand together, we can make the burden a little bit lighter for the parents and the awesome staff that are relentlessly pushing on day after day to help children with life-limiting chronic illnesses feel better, live better, smile and play, because every child deserves that. Children are our future”