Bruce Campbell took the overall #ConquerAsOne winning moment for completing the 691km of the 2017 Cape Epic with Pompe disease.
The 29-year-old from Port Elizabeth not only defied everything that medical doctors and textbooks say about the human body, but his story touched everyone.
Pompe disease is a neuromuscular disease that causes extreme muscle weakness and pain because of a build-up of a complex sugar called glycogen in the body’s cells.
This impairs organs from functioning normally and ultimately means that the body burns its own fat when exercising or during any other strenuous activity.
Bruce Campbell (left) and partner Anthony Daniels win the overall #ConquerAsOne winning moment after completing the 2017 Cape Epic yesterday. Photo: Backpage Pix
Despite this Campbell conquered his first Cape Epic at the weekend, with his partner Anthony Daniels.
“I had to train for about a year and a half just to slowly build my intensity so that I’m able to go faster for longer while burning my fat, instead of glucose,” said Campbell.
“I also get infusions every two weeks and that helps to put the enzymes back into my body. I have to pace my race very carefully, but it’s such a privilege to have done this.”
Daniels’ role is to be aware of the situation and to recognise the signs when Campbell is going through a hard patch.
“We had a bad day at the prologue. We had to stop and take five minutes out at a tree on one of the hills,” said Daniels.
“But Bruce is pretty good. He will tell me when he is not feeling good and we slow down to get the heart-rate down.
“Bruce and I have been mates for a couple of years now and I’ve known him since he has been diagnosed with this. What he does with this disease is amazing. I mean, he shouldn’t be doing the Epic – bottom line. He’s a phenomenal athlete.”
“Nothing in life should hold you back from chasing your dreams,” said an emotional Campbell after crossing the finish line.
