If you haven’t already bought a TOPE in support of DKMS Africa, please do. It’s in support of Bone Marrow and Leukaemia Awareness Month, an annual campaign aimed at spreading awareness and encouraging people to become blood stem cell heroes. Stem cell transplants are instrumental when treating blood-illnesses patients, who rely wholly on donors for healthy blood stem cells. While siblings can donate, they are not always a match, spurring the need to seek alternate and unrelated donors. You can register online at DKMS-Africa.org. Alternatively you can support leukaemia patients by buying a TOPE. R30 from Pick n Pay stores, selected ICPA pharmacies and online at Zando.co.za, until October 15.
It’s ballsy. It’s brave. It’s bigger. And it’s back! The once-off COVID-edition, national Hollard Daredevil Run 2021 will see our streets painted purple on Friday October 15, as thousands of brave men in purple speedos run through the streets to raise awareness for prostate cancer. Runners from anywhere in the country can participate in their own neighbourhoods … running alone, with a friend or in a small group (max of five fellow runners). So go on … take part. You can register online at webtickets.co.za (entries close October 8) and you’ll receive a couriered Daredevil pack which includes a branded purple speedo, a water bottle, a purple mask, a fundraising band, logistics for the day and important cancer awareness information. Entries cost R160, with all proceeds going to CANSA and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa. Friends, family and neighbours can also sponsor runners and raise funds towards this important cause. Details: Follow @DAREdevilRun on Facebook
Nature lovers … here’s your chance to get active and support marine conservation. Join The Philocaly Trail (meaning The Love of Beauty) – a beach walk initiated in 2019 by ocean warrior Nikki Williamson – to raise awareness about the province’s pristine coastline and raise funds for WildOceans, Breathe Ocean Conservation and Adopt-A-River. To date R250 000 has been raised for these beneficiaries and the organisers are hoping to do even better at this year’s event, which will be held on October 23 and 24 (lockdown restrictions dependent). You can walk on just one or on both days. The event starts on the Saturday at the Beahwood Mangroves (you’re requested to park at either Blue Lagoon or Pick n Pay Hyper and walk to the start, as the parking outside the Mangroves is not available) and ends at Umdloti Main Beach car park. If the Ohlanga River is open to the ocean walkers can turn back at this point, (due to the chemical spillage), and end in Umhlanga. Day 2 starts from Umdloti Main Beach car park and ends at Salmon Bay, Ballito. Both days walks are about 17kms. Bookings close on October 21. Details: philocaly.co.za
