Purple pride on parade as Kimberley daredevils hit streets for men’s health
The 2025 Daredevil Run hit the streets of Kimberley early on Friday, with a spirited group of men donning purple Speedos to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer.
Image: Danie van der Lith / DFA
A BRAVE group of Kimberley men painted the streets purple on Friday as they joined the 16th annual Hollard Daredevil Run to raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer. \
The daring event, where participants don the iconic purple Speedos, also known as budgie smugglers, also took place in Upington and Springbok, with communities across the Northern Cape joining the cause.
Men braved the chilly morning to unite in the fight against prostate and testicular cancer.
Image: Danie van der Lith / DFA
Among the runners and supporters was Mervin Nelson, 40, who shared his personal journey with prostate cancer.
Diagnosed at the age of 38, Mervin recalls, “I went for regular check-ups at my doctor after symptoms started showing: fatigue, lower back pain, and difficulty emptying my bladder. My doctor did a full exam and noticed my kidney function was low. They admitted me to Gariep hospital on April 27, 2023. That’s when they realised the prostate was the cause and did a biopsy; that’s when I found out I had prostate cancer.”
Mervin described the fear that came with the diagnosis: “I was very scared to hear I had cancer. Thoughts about death filled my mind. But I was put on hormonal treatment and had radiation in April 2024. Now I come in regularly to check my levels, every three months for hormonal injections, along with daily medication.”
He urged men to take their health seriously: “Go and check your stuff regularly, change your lifestyle, stop smoking, and drink less. I have a good support system; my wife and work colleagues have been a major support for me.”
Melvin Nelson and his son, Tyler.
Image: Danie van der Lith / DFA
The Daredevil Run, now in its 16th year, has grown into a nationwide movement. Neighbourhoods, schools, and sports clubs from Johannesburg to Mbombela, Khayelitsha, and Pretoria also took part, highlighting the importance of early detection.
Hazel Chimhandamba, group chief marketing officer at Hollard, said, “Understanding the symptoms and available tests, as well as having access to testing facilities, is crucial in the fight against prostate and testicular cancers.
"The Daredevil Run gets people talking about men’s health in a fun and approachable way.”
Men of all ages are encouraged to get checked regularly, because early detection can save lives.
Image: Danie van der Lith / DFA
Lorraine Govender, national manager for Health Programmes at CANSA, highlighted the life-saving impact of the funds raised.
“Last year alone, we conducted 1,000 PSA tests, trained 649 healthcare professionals, and ran outreach programmes across rural and underserved areas. This funding allows us to educate, screen, and support men and their families to take control of their health.”
Prostate cancer remains a leading cause of death among South African men, with black men at higher risk, while testicular cancer is most common in men aged 15 to 49. Both are highly treatable if detected early.
With R1 million raised in 2024, Hollard is aiming to double the total this year, with donations collected through the Hollard Daredevil BackABuddy platform.
Chimhandamba concluded, “Together we can make a real difference. Thank you to all the Daredevils who took to the streets today. See you next year, and bring a friend.”