Cricketers bat for CANSA
Expect to see the Symcox name prominently featured in the Zululand Observer for the foreseeable future. Not only has Protea cricket legend Pat Symcox turned his arm over to write for our readers, but his son Russel will also play a huge part in raising funds for the local CANSA Relay for Life effort on 8 May. Russel, also a professional cricketer, will lead five other intrepid adventurers - including Lance Klusener and Daryll Cullinan - on jet ski’s to travel over 2 800km of coastline in three Southern African countries in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa. The campaign has been dubbed C2C4C (Coast2Coast4-CANSA) and will be a tough ask for the pilots over an estimated four week period in extreme ocean conditions. The epic ride will also include professional surfski paddler Barry Lewin, world renowned big wave surfer Jason Ribbink and marine conservationist Mark Addison. They begin their journey on their Yamaha WaveRunners on the Mozambique border on 20 April and will travel up to 300km each day. ‘CANSA plays an important watchdog role for South Africans by acting proactively and educating the public on protecting themselves against cancer,’ said Sue Janse van Rensburg, CANSA’s CEO. ‘This inaugural event will help to spread the word about making informed choices, such as safety in the sun, not using any tobacco products and encouraging South Africans to eat five fresh fruits and vegetables every day. ‘Up to 40% of cancers can be prevented by living a healthy, balanced lifestyle.’
Dangers
The journey, which will end at the West Coast border of Namibia, is ‘inherently dangerous, physically gruelling and challenging on every level’, said expedition leader and event organiser, Russel Symcox. ‘However, a mission of this magnitude is justifiable as it will attract the necessary media attention which in turn will provide a platform to raise funds and create awareness for cancer, its prevention, early detection and treatment as well as encouraging all South Africans to pursue a healthy balanced lifestyle.’
The approximately 1511 nautical mile journey also involves four support vehicles manned by support crew members, medical and safety personnel, a TV and media crew, and logistics co-ordinators.
Planning is underway to link the journey with local preparations for the Relay for Life event when the pilots stop over at Richards Bay around 22 April.
