Nathan Farrugia completes 2,000km East Africa cycling challenge in aid of renal patients

Maltese entrepreneur, business mentor and CEO coach Nathan Farrugia has completed a 2,000km cycling challenge across East Africa to raise funds for LifeCycle Foundation Malta.

The 10-day journey saw Mr Farrugia cycle from Mombasa, Kenya, to Kigali, Rwanda, crossing Uganda and travelling around the north of Lake Victoria along the way.

The route involved close to 20,000 metres of climbing across a combination of dirt roads, asphalt and mud trails.

For Mr Farrugia, the initiative also carried a personal significance, after his father required renal care following a serious illness from which he has since recovered.

“Most do not. They need lifetime care and treatment,” Mr Farrugia said, explaining that the funds raised through the challenge will support patients with their care at home, equipment and other ancillary therapies.

The challenge brought together a group of 20 cyclists, alongside a support crew accompanying them throughout the journey.

Mr Farrugia said the experience also provided an opportunity to form new friendships, highlighting the camaraderie that developed among the cyclists as they tackled the physically demanding route.

“I made some great friendships, as one tends to do when suffering together,” he said. “The camaraderie between 20 cyclists was great, and the support crew were amazing.”

Beyond the physical challenge and fundraising effort, Mr Farrugia said the journey gave him an opportunity to learn more about the countries and communities through which the group travelled, particularly through conversations with local drivers and guides.

“It’s a fabulous place that is different to any other place I’ve been before. It’s easy to fall in love and keep coming back to visit,” he said.

Mr Farrugia is an entrepreneur, speaker, author and business mentor whose work includes coaching business leaders and CEOs. He is also a Vistage owner and has undertaken a number of endurance and adventure challenges alongside his professional and philanthropic activities.

LifeCycle Foundation Malta supports renal patients and their families, with its fundraising activities historically centred around endurance cycling challenges.