Cycling for Beau’s Pride
In the heart of the Namib desert lives the spirit of a young soul named Beau van der Westhuizen.Just a few days shy of celebrating his sixteenth birthday (on 12 November 2022), cancer cut Beau's life short. Yet Beau’s story is not one of sorrow; it is a story of a remarkable young spirit who left an indelible mark on the people who loved him.
Beau was not your typical teenager. He possessed a humility that belied his years and his heart was as vast and gentle as the Namib’s dunes. However, what truly set Beau apart was his admiration and respect for the kings and queens of the desert - the endangered desert lions.
From a young age, Beau was captivated by these creatures that call the Namib their home. He was drawn to their resilience, their beauty, and their spirit in the face of adversity. For Beau, the desert lions were not just majestic animals but symbols of strength, endurance, and the connection between humans and the natural world.
In honour of Beau's love for these animals, a group of four dedicated cyclists who call themselves “Beau’s Pride” (Johan Liebenberg, Dewald Nel, Fanie Britz and Bibi Cornelissen) will participate in the gruelling annual Nedbank Desert Dash starting on Friday, 8 December from the Grove Mall in Windhoek.
However, for this team it won’t be just any race; this is a race with a purpose.
As they pedal through the Namib desert, each stroke of the pedal will be a testament to Beau's legacy. The journey stretching 397 km won’t just be about conquering miles, but about conquering the challenges that the desert lions face every day - habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the constant struggle for survival.
Why dedicate such an endeavour to these majestic creatures? The answer is simple: Beau saw in the desert lions a reflection of our interconnectedness with the natural world. He understood that protecting these lions meant safeguarding the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems.
So, Beau’s Pride will not only cycle for his memory but for a future where the desert lions can continue to roam freely.
Now, a call goes out to the public: To stand with the team to support this worthy cause while honouring Beau's legacy. In support of “Beau’s Pride” donations can be deposited to Nedbank Namibia, Desert Lion Conservation Trust, Acc: 12990021277, Branch: 461052, BIC / Swift: NEDSNANX, Reference: Beau’s Pride.