CANSA Warriors Con and Jared Take on the Absa Cape Epic
Con and Jared are excited to kick off their ‘Epic’ fundraising journey for CANSA Active, an initiative that promotes healthy living and awareness in our communities.
Having both faced and fought through hardships in their health, they feel incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to raise awareness for CANSA Active. They hope that you will support them on this incredible journey to the 2026 Absa Cape Epic.
Con’s Story:
It was November 2020 when Con Malherbe heard the dreaded words “you have cancer” from his doctor. The cancer his doctor was referring to was Myeloma, an incurable form of bone marrow cancer. Fortunately, it had been caught early.
Con quickly adopted a number of healthy lifestyle habits and soon abandoned all processed foods. Following a mostly plant-based, gluten and dairy-free diet, he soon lost 10kg and was living his most healthy life. He was able to win the SA Grand Master Marathon Mountain Bike Champs in early 2022 as well as win his category in the Sani2C and Berg and Bush MTB stage races, he also placed second Grand Master, and 21st overall, at the 9 day Joberg2C event during this period. Con and Jared believe that these lifestyle changes were responsible for slowing the progression of the disease, giving Con two great years of being the fittest he’s ever been, and leading him into the transplant in a really good state of being.
Con remained asymptomatic up until November 2022, when things got real and he started chemo treatment leading up to his stem cell transplant in May 2023. Con had a “complete response” and one year post stem cell transplant, he had no discernible cancer in his body.
Jared’s Story:
As a Type 1 Diabetic, Jared is no stranger to adversity. He was diagnosed at 5 years old and has been living with the disease for 31 years. No days off. Being Diabetic has taught him discipline and perseverance and he has never let Diabetes control his story; both professionally and personally. Jared is an avid mountain biker and a passionate filmmaker who loves to tell inspiring and meaningful stories though his work. When Jared received the invite to ride with cancer survivor Con Malherbe, for CANSA, he simply couldn’t turn it down. Con’s personal journey has inspired Jared and he believes their shared battles against disease will help them get to the finish line.
“By supporting this cause, we can help individuals lead active lifestyles while empowering them with knowledge about cancer prevention. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant difference and helps elevate the efforts for better health and awareness. Let’s work together to create a healthier future for all!”
You can support Con and Jared’s Absa Cape Epic campaign via GivenGain
CANSA Warriors Cape Epic Team Video
Read more about Con and Jared’s journeys here:
https://witness.co.za/news/2025/11/07/living-for-more-than-just-survival/
https://witness.co.za/news/2026/01/17/biokineticist-helps-malherbe-optimise-his-body-for-cape-epic/
