LEBO MJANGAZE
In a powerful show of solidarity, East London’s swimming and bodybuilding communities are uniting against cancer.
Local athlete and multimedia professional Ryan Ward, in partnership with Body Culture Health & Wellness Centre, will host a swimming event dedicated to people affected by the disease. The event, at Body Culture in Beacon Bay on June 6 is about “honouring real people and their stories”.
Ward’s concept, “5,000 metres, 5,000 lives,” sees him dedicating each metre of a long-distance swim to someone affected by cancer.
“Every metre I swim represents someone’s journey, struggle, or triumph. Swimming is a test of endurance — it requires pushing through pain, exhaustion, and doubt, much like those fighting cancer. It felt like the perfect way to honour and connect with their strength.”
Ward has witnessed cancer’s devastating affect on loved ones. “This swim is for them, for those who are fighting, and for those we have lost.
Ward, the owner of All Things Awesome, a platform dedicated to storytelling, media, and community-driven projects. described the initiative as humbling and deeply meaningful.
“Every time someone shares a story, it reminds me why I’m doing this. It’s emotional and overwhelming, but it brings people together.”
Ward hopes to create a tribute video once all 5,000 nominations are collected.
Body Culture Health & Wellness Centre’s Michael Ott said: “If our efforts to create awareness and support can help even a handful of people, then we consider it a success.”
One supporter wrote on Ward’s social media: “I have had numerous cancer diagnoses and now my darling daughter has been diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 27. You [Ward] are super special and God will overflow your cup.”
For more details or to submit a name, visit All Things Awesome’s social media pages.
