It’s the charity challenge we have watched for a week — David Holliday, of Moon Gazer Ale has completed his epic Norfolk beer push.
Man on a mission: David during one of his daily beer push marathons
The brewer pushed a 75kg barrel of beer across Norfolk, completing a marathon distance every day for seven consecutive days.
David’s antics have so far brought in more than £36,500 for local cancer charity It’s On The Ball. The challenge is all about raising awareness of testicular cancer, and preventing young men dying needlessly dying from the disease.
“The event really captured the imagination, and we were overwhelmed by people coming along to cheer us along or join in for part or all of the route each day,” said David.
“Physically it was incredibly challenging. But emotionally it was also tough, hearing situations where people had lost loved ones, so often due to late diagnosis, as this is a very fast-spreading cancer.
“However, we also heard some lovely instances of survivors who had gone on to bring up families, and in one case a chap had the joy of fathering twins after treatment.”
The challenge saw David push a marathon distance each day, followed by hosting a fundraising and awareness event in a pub. These ranged from from quizzes to food nights, an auction, and bingo.
What it’s all about: David picks up a charity cheque en route
“The pub events allowed us to engage with a large number of people and explain the importance of early diagnosis, and for men of all ages to check themselves monthly,” said David.
“To see young men’s faces when we told them of local examples of young men dying as they had been diagnosed a few weeks late really brought home the message. They took it on board and realised how checking monthly can give them a 96% chance of survival, while not checking or ignoring symptoms because they were embarrassed could mean treatment would be unable to save them.”
It’s on The Ball dedicates its time to raising awareness, from school to company visits. It supplies support packs to patients and, where necessary, assists with financial support for those undergoing treatment.
The team of male trustees are survivors of the cancer and are able to provide direct experience and empathy for those often young men faced with the challenge to beat the cancer.
The fundraising will allow this valuable work to continue across Norfolk, and it’s not over yet. You can boost David’s funds total by visiting his Just Giving page.
