Just Keep Spinning: What the Cape Epic Taught Me About Pain, Purpose, and Possibility

Bruce Campbell: The Rare Warrior Who Refuses to Stop

At Rare Diseases South Africa, we celebrate resilience, courage, and community, values personified by Bruce Campbell, a true Rare Warrior whose journey inspires both the rare disease community and the sporting world.

A Life of Resilience

Bruce’s battle with rare disease began at six years old when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, leaving him paralysed and on a ventilator. Against the odds, he learned to walk and swim again, igniting a lifelong passion for sport.

In 2015, he faced another challenge, Pompe Disease, a rare genetic condition that weakens muscles and affects vital organs. Rather than slowing down, Bruce used treatment, discipline, and unwavering determination to keep moving forward.

Champion Across Every Arena

An elite endurance athlete, Bruce has an extraordinary list of achievements, including Aquabike World Champion (2022), Triathlon SA Age Group Champion (2022 & 2023), Xterra South Africa Champion, multiple-time TransBaviaans 230 km winner, and 83rd place at the Ironman African Championships in 2024.

Together with his wife Tracey, he runs Aspire LiveFit Coaching Academy, helping athletes across triathlon, cycling, swimming, running, and adventure sports.

Conquering the Absa Cape Epic

Bruce recently completed the Absa Cape Epic, one of the toughest mountain bike stage races in the world. Eight days of extreme terrain, relentless climbing, and nonstop racing tested both body and mind.

On Day 2, Bruce faced significant disease-related challenges, saying, “My body just didn’t respond, muscle breakdown was substantial, and I was in a great deal of pain.

We stayed calm, controlled what we could, and kept moving forward.” He credits his riding partner and support system, adding, “Jacque is everything out there, calm, steady, and always backing me, especially when things get hard.”

Preparation for such an event is both physical and mental. Bruce explains, “I recover slower than most, so I have to be mindful about timing of training, recovery, diet, and support from physios and sport massage. Mentally, it’s about accepting the tough days.”

During the hardest moments, he keeps things simple: “I just focus on the next pedal stroke, keep it simple, keep moving.”

Racing with Purpose

Bruce’s motivation goes beyond personal achievement. “If I can help one person get up and chase their dreams while living with a rare disease, then I’ve achieved what I set out to do,” he says.

Racing also gives him a voice to raise awareness: “The Cape Epic is the biggest platform I’ve had to educate people about rare conditions and how to get in contact with Rare Diseases South Africa.”

His advice to others facing rare diseases is simple but powerful: “Focus on what you can do, take it step by step, and don’t do it alone.”

A Rare Warrior for Life

Bruce doesn’t just survive, he thrives. Every finish line, every challenge, and every platform he uses raises awareness for rare diseases, proving that determination, courage, and community can overcome even the toughest odds.

From all of us at Rare Diseases SA, thank you, Bruce, for showing the world what a true Rare Warrior looks like.