UCT student rides 159km for mental health

UCT student William Sezoe, 22, will take on a 159 kilometre cycle to commemorate World Mental Health Day and highlight the plight of students, while raising funds for the pedal project.

He will be travelling from his student residence in Observatory to his hometown Patrenoster.

Sezoe, an Honours political communications student, says he is an amateur cyclist, whose journey started last year while on the Stellenbosch University student representative council.

He had approached the vice-chancellor about the food crisis faced by students, who then challenged him to ride the cycle tour in aid of raising funds for this cause.

“That's how cycling started for me in raising funds,” Sezoe said.

As students were currently experiencing “crunch time”, amid exams and other academic deadlines, Sezoe said he knows the struggle, as he was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in high school.

“I aim to raise awareness of the importance of mental health, especially among students.

“I know the struggle of depression, and anxiety myself, and understand how difficult it can be, but I have learned that the road gets easier when you have the right support backing you all the way.

“I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was in Grade 10.

I had panic attacks. I thought I would not be able to complete Grade 10. I knew I had to do something to get my mind away from negative things.

Running and cycling have become my coping mechanisms.”

“It is important to speak up when you are struggling. We are often afraid we are going to be judged, especially men; we have this pressure, we don’t want to talk about it until we explode or get stuck. Talk to someone, seek counselling support services, there is help,” Sezoe said.

He estimates the ride to take about six hours with at least two stops along the way.

He will be escorted by fellow students from the UCT cycling team until Bloubergstrand, where he will continue the journey alone.

“I am excited and nervous. Thankfully it is a flat route, less climbing than the cycle tour, I am hoping the wind does not go against me. I am hoping cars will respect me.”

Sezoe aims to raise R15 000 for the pedal project, an NPO focused on supporting children with mental health support through mountain biking.

To support the initiative visit: https://www.givengain.com/project/william-raising-funds-for-pedal-project-84384

Cape Times