ALWAYS willing to place others first to ensure their happiness while maintaining a positive outlook on life is Mr South Africa runner up, Shaun Stander is this week’s leading man for Movember and hopes to spread this optimism and take on men’s health.
Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as anxiety, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.
READ: Shaun bags two titles at Mr SA 2019
It can be said that men are notoriously bad at opening up, especially when it comes to their health. Shaun shared that he thinks men are too afraid to speak up due to the fear of appearing weak or the fear that a symptom may be serious and hence would rather not know. “It is easier to ignore than face the truth. I for one am comfortable in speaking about my health. I think that in most cases all it takes is for one person to open up. You may inspire someone else to do the same and then the influence expands, enhancing awareness and thus the reach is becomes greater,” he shared.
Shaun identifies himself as a passionate and compassionate person and it shows. Through his humanitarian work and community outreach, Shaun has supported and counselled male cancer patients in remission as well as pre and post-surgery. He also supported “Love Your Nuts”, which is a non-profit organisation that creates awareness of male testicular cancer. “I will be working with them to reach further into our community in KZN as they are based in Cape Town.”
Asked what encouraging words he has to share with men on their uphill battle with cancer or any other health concerns. The Bluff pageant king said: “Men need to look at the bigger picture, that is, that the success of their lives begins with their health and well-being, so that they may long fulfilling lives play an active role in their families. Consider the happiness of your family and loved ones and let that drive you. When faced with a threat to their health, it is easy to think the worst and many fear the worst. However, they should a lot of people have overcome their battles with illness and have gone on to inspire others. No matter what life throws you, it is just an obstacle and you will beat it. Every trial we go through makes us stronger and better role models for our children and families.”
READ: Bluff model vies for Mr SA title
Shaun also runs a fitness group and has his own modelling agency. “I am an early morning person so most times I wake up at 4am and will begin working doing admin. Through the day I instruct group fitness classes which range from 3 to 7 classes a day. In between all classes I deal with further admin work and meetings and then end off instructing models in my agency before I retire home. I have now also further just purchased another company which will allow me to reach out to more people, young and old, for their self-development and assist in creating employment.”
In addition, Shaun assists and supports various other charities including the SPCA, hospice, local children’s homes and recently participated in a walk to create awareness for the fight against human trafficking. “Alone I can’t change the world, but together we can make a difference.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 876 3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
