Join the fight: Help Cape Town firefighter Mark Randall battle prostate cancer
Cape Town firefighter Mark Randall faces a challenging battle with aggressive prostate cancer.
Image: Supplied
A Cape Town firefighter who spent decades protecting lives, homes, and the environment is now receiving an outpouring of support from the very community he has long served, after being diagnosed with cancer. Mark Randall, 63, a father of three and long-serving member of Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS), has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate.
A Life of Showing Up for Others
Known for his unwavering commitment to others, Randall spent years being the person people could rely on without hesitation. He dedicated more than 20 years to VWS, serving as a crew leader before continuing as a driver after sustaining an injury. His dedication turned the service into a second family, his daughter Corné Randall-Strydom said. “This is not just a hobby for my dad, from the start the VWS became an important part of his life. My dad gives so much of his time, his sleep and his safety to help and keep the people of the Western Cape safe. The VWS is a really strong unit and they have become like a second family to my dad. He will do anything for them, and they will do anything for him,” she said.
A Sudden Diagnosis
What began as minor health concerns quickly escalated into a life-changing diagnosis. 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 to determine the full extent of the disease and his treatment plan.
Community Steps In
In just a few days, a BuckaBuddy campaign started in support of his treatment has gained strong momentum, raising over R135,000 from 131 donors, bringing the family close to their R150,000 goal. Messages of support have poured in from those whose lives Randall has touched. “From one yellow family member to another...you got this Mark, keep the spirit that I know you have," a fellow VWS member said. Cameron Patrick said: "Mark was always the last one to leave, ensuring we all got off the firelines safely. A true hero for those on the fireline and off the fire. His passion, drive and resilience is second to none and it's a true pleasure to call Mark my hero. "
Randall-Strydom expressed gratitude for the collective effort: “The support has been incredible. Just seeing how much my dad means to so many people is amazing.”
A Family Facing the Unknown
The family is holding onto hope, emphasising Randall's status as a true hero. “When kids grow up they are made to believe that their dads are heroes. My dad is an actual hero, helping countless people without wanting anything in return. The most difficult part is that something was able to actually touch him, and not get all the necessary information to form a plan to help him,” Randall-Strydom said.
“We are so grateful. The support from all around means so much and it fills my heart with hope and gratitude," Randall-Strydom said.
To support Randall in his fight, visit his BackaBuddy campaign page: The Legend.