Serial Transaid fundraiser raises more money for Transaid

Serial Transaid fundraiser, Marcio Bonifacio, principal systems engineer at Z-Tech Control Systems Ltd, completed his eighth challenge in four years to raise money for Transaid.

His most recent challenge saw him fly to Portugal to complete an Iron Man Triathlon and so far he has raised £1,158 to support Transaid’s lifesaving road safety and access to healthcare projects in sub-Saharan Africa.

When asked what inspired him to take on this challenge, Marcio commented: ‘I like to keep myself busy and always have a challenge in mind. I completed my first triathlon last year and felt that it was time to push myself to the next level, so I signed up for a full distance ironman triathlon in my home country!’

Describing why he chose to support Transaid, Marcio said: ‘Transaid is a charity close to my heart and since my first South Africa Cycle Challenge with the organisation in 2017, I have participated in so many more. I have witnessed the work that Transaid does in attempting to resolve one of the major causes of mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, improving the lives of those who are in need of safe, available and sustainable transport.’

For Marcio, the event felt like a work out in two different extremes for both the brain, as well as the body, and the highlights came at the start of the challenge, and as he crossed the finish line. At the start, he was surrounded by thousands of athletes, all preparing for what was to come. Whilst at the finish, he felt empowered having made such an achievement in completing a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run.

In recounting the experience, Marcio explained that the bike ride was the greatest challenge as he did not feel well and had some mechanical issues with his bike. However, he persevered and despite all of the challenges in his path, managed to sprint the last 500 metres, finishing in a time of 14 hours and nine minutes.

We are so grateful to Marcio for taking on this momentous challenge and raising funds that will go towards our projects, working to transform lives through safe, available and sustainable transport. We look forward to hearing what he has in mind for his ninth challenge on Transaid’s behalf!

There is still time to donate – Marcio Bonifacio is fundraising for Transaid (justgiving.com) and if reading Marcio’s story has inspired you, click here.