PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - About 50 men from the town and surrounds took to the streets in purple Speedos on Friday 23 October for the Hollard Daredevil 5km Run/Walk, supporting awareness of testicular and prostate cancer.

The participants gathered at the Insurance and Investment Shop in the Upper Deck Building, on the corner of Marine Drive and Main Street, before setting off on their 5km route, with Market Off Main and Sotto Restaurant and Lounge serving as pit stops.

Now in its 17th year, this proudly South African campaign aims to challenge stigmas around men’s health, encourage regular health checks and raise funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa. The funds support education, screening programmes and services for men nationwide.

Growing participation

Local organiser and participant Chris Jounes said the Plett event had grown since he introduced it after having retired to this coastal town. “I have participated in the Daredevil walk since the first one in 2010, when I lived in Johannesburg. When I retired to Plett, I thought it would be a good idea to organise it here,” he said.

The first Plett event attracted about 10 friends, which increased to about 20 in the second year. The past two events have each drawn about 50 participants.

Each participant purchased a pair of purple Speedos for R200 as part of the campaign. According to Jounes, Hollard made a donation of R2m last year. 

The event has grown from a small gathering of friends into a local initiative that uses a light-hearted approach to promote the serious message of men’s cancer awareness.

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