“The measure of a man is in the lives he has touched”

The Company We Keep is a column on the CN&CO blog that profiles some of the most interesting people in our networks. Here we share the details of the lives of people we know, showcasing the extraordinary diversity of our society and proving that people truly are at the heart of everything we do.

“The measure of a man is in the lives he has touched” Ernie Banks

On the 2nd of June 2019, 20 young men, whose lives were deeply touched by their friend who tragically passed away in 2018, will race against each other in the Ironman 70.3 in Durban to raise money for the Sunflower Fund.

Matthew Macdonald passed away from Cancer in May 2018. He left behind him a legacy and a team of friends and family who are in awe of a young man who lived an incredible life.

In his honour they have created a website http://www.ironmac.co.za

To date over R70 000 has been raised. please go to the website to donate and back your boytjie! Of course my husband Simon Dougall will win so you should just place your bets right there. No pressure love!

Seeing what these young guys are all doing to honour the life of a friend that they adore, has really reiterated for me, that when you die it is the lives that you have touched along the way, the people you have helped, the hearts you have filled, the joy you have given, that people will remember. Mac was a man who lived his life to the fullest. He loved his friends and family, he partied hard, he laughed with his whole being, he worked hard, he worked out and loved to be fit, he spread so much love and joy. I can only imagine how events like Ironmac help those who struggle the most to overcome the grief and the loss of his life to feel his presence still.

The company we keep, and the heart that we put into our friendships, and the effort we put into our work, is so important to living a great life.