From Prostate Cancer Diagnosis to the Sky Run: Richard Takes on 65km for CANSA

A father’s personal experience with prostate cancer inspires a challenging fundraising effort to support others affected by the disease. When Richard Viedge received a prostate cancer diagnosis shortly after his 50th birthday, he never imagined how dramatically his life would change. Now, more than two years later, he is preparing to take on one of South Africa’s most demanding trail-running events, not only as a personal challenge, but to raise awareness and funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).

On 14 November 2026, Richard will participate in the 65km Sky Run near Lady Grey in the Eastern Cape, using this extraordinary endurance event to encourage men to take their health seriously and inspire others to support CANSA’s care and support programmes.

For Richard, a father of two young children who lives on a rural farm, the experience began with what seemed like a routine annual blood test in March 2024. When his doctor noticed a slightly elevated Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level, further investigations followed. In April 2024, a biopsy confirmed prostate cancer.

“I was totally shocked. I had just turned 50 and always thought prostate cancer was an older man’s disease. I never imagined that I would be facing this diagnosis at my age,” recalls Richard.

What followed was a difficult and emotionally demanding period for Richard and his family. In July 2024, he underwent surgery to remove his prostate. However, subsequent tests revealed that his PSA levels were rising, and further treatment was necessary. Living far from specialised treatment facilities meant spending two months away from his wife and children while receiving radiation therapy, alongside hormone treatment.

“Being away from my family was incredibly difficult. Having two young children, the thought of not being there for them was frightening. I remained hopeful and drew strength from my family and my faith,” he shares.

Rather than allowing his diagnosis to define him, Richard is determined to use his experience to make a positive difference.

“My experience is a reminder that prostate cancer is real and can affect men younger than we might expect. I want to encourage men, particularly those over 40 or with a family history of cancer, to speak to their healthcare professional about their risk and when they should consider screening. A simple PSA blood test can help identify changes that may need further investigation. Early detection can make a significant difference to treatment outcomes and, in some cases, offer the possibility of a cure.”

The annual Sky Run takes place in the spectacular but challenging Witteberg Mountains near Lady Grey and Wartrail in the Eastern Cape. Richard is no stranger to the event, having participated previously. This year, however, his motivation is especially meaningful. By taking on the challenging 65km route, he hopes to draw attention to prostate cancer while encouraging friends, family, fellow runners, businesses and the broader community to contribute towards CANSA’s work.

“Life is so precious, and it needs to be lived and cared for. I wanted to turn something incredibly difficult in my own life into an opportunity to help others. If sharing my story encourages even one man to take his health seriously, or inspires someone to support CANSA, it will have been worthwhile,” says Richard.

Marius de Vries, CANSA Sustainability Coordinator in Gqeberha, expressed his appreciation for Richard’s commitment and willingness to share such a personal experience.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Richard for choosing to support CANSA through this remarkable challenge. What makes his initiative so special is that he is using his own experience to inspire and educate others, while raising much-needed funds to help people affected by cancer. Sharing a personal story takes courage, and Richard’s willingness to do so may encourage other men to seek medical advice and take their health seriously. We wish him every success with the Sky Run and encourage the public to get behind him by donating, no matter how big or small. Every contribution helps CANSA continue offering care and support across South Africa.”

CANSA provides a range of care and support services to people affected by cancer and their families, including cancer screening and early detection services, counselling, support groups, information and guidance, and accommodation at CANSA Care Homes for patients receiving treatment far from home, subject to availability and admission arrangements.

Richard’s experience of having to leave his family and travel for treatment highlights just one of the many practical and emotional challenges that can accompany a cancer diagnosis. Through its CANSA Active initiative, CANSA encourages individuals to combine their passion for sport and physical activity with fundraising and awareness efforts that contribute towards the organisation’s mission.

As Richard prepares for the 65km Sky Run on 14 November, CANSA is calling on individuals, businesses, running clubs and communities to show their support by making an online donation to Richard’s fundraiser.

For more information about Richard’s fundraising initiative, contact Marius de Vries at mdevries@cansa.org.za. For information about prostate cancer, screening and CANSA’s care and support programmes, visit www.cansa.org.za , email info@cansa.org.za or call CANSA toll-free on 0800 22 66 22.

(For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA at email lbalona@cansa.org.za. Call 011 616 7662 or mobile 082 459 5230).