Community rallies behind Mark Randall, a dedicated firefighter facing cancer
Mark Randall, a long-serving Volunteer Wildfire Services firefighter and father of three, is receiving an outpouring of community support following a cancer diagnosis.
Image: Supplied
For years, Vredekloof resident Mark Randall made sure his children never felt how little he had.
Now, as the 63-year-old faces an aggressive cancer diagnosis, the man his family describes as selfless and dependable is being supported by the very community he spent decades helping.
Randall, a father of three and long-serving member of Volunteer Wildfire Services, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has already spread beyond the prostate, according to his daughter, Corné Randall-Strydom.
A Backabuddy campaign, launched without his knowledge by his children, friends and fellow firefighters, has gained rapid momentum, raising more than R102 000 in four days.
Randall-Strydom said her father had always prioritised others, often at great personal cost.
“He has spent his life working tirelessly to support his family, often sacrificing his own comfort so that his children would never feel the weight of their struggles,” she said.
Even during difficult times, he created moments of joy.
Known for his decades of service, Randall is now receiving widespread community support following a cancer diagnosis.
Image: Supplied
“He would treat us over weekends, even if it meant living on peanut butter bread for the rest of the month. He always reminded us that what we had was a home, not just a house.”
Randall dedicated more than 20 years to Volunteer Wildfire Services, serving as a crew leader before continuing as a driver after sustaining an injury.
He remained committed to what his family calls his “family in yellow”, mentoring others and supporting them through difficult situations.
“He has stood by them through countless challenges, lifting others when they felt like giving up,” Randall-Strydom said.
She added that his support extended far beyond his firefighting role.
“He is the one people turn to for advice, for a listening ear, and for a shoulder to cry on.”
The response to his diagnosis has reflected that impact.
Supporters have described Randall as someone who “shows up” when others need help, with one commenter writing: “Nobody shows up more than Mark. We’re behind you.”
Others pointed to his role on the frontlines, saying he “constantly put his life on the line to save homes, wildlife and communities”, while messages accompanying donations echoed a shared sentiment: “Now it is our turn to care.”
Several described him as a mentor and a steady presence in their lives, “a mentor with such a beautiful heart” and “the kind of person the world needs more of”.
Mark Randall (front left) with fellow Volunteer Wildfire Services members. The long-serving firefighter is now receiving widespread community support following a cancer diagnosis.
Image: Supplied
Some shared personal experiences, recalling moments when Randall stepped in to help without hesitation, acts they say they have never forgotten.
What initially appeared to be minor health concerns escalated quickly.
“What began as minor issues led to a check-up, then a catheter, and what we hoped would be a simple procedure turned into life-changing news,” Randall-Strydom said.
Randall is currently receiving treatment at a state hospital and still requires further tests, including bone scans and blood work, to determine the full extent of the disease and his treatment plan.
Despite the growing support, she said her father has found it difficult to accept help.
“Mark is not someone who asks for help. He gives selflessly, always from the heart. When he eventually found out about the campaign, he didn’t know how to respond.”
For his family, the response has been a powerful reminder of the lives he has touched.
As he begins treatment, the same community he has supported for years is now standing beside him.
To support the campaign visit: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/the-legend