It was on Valentine’s Day, of all days, that Eddy Rust got the news. Having survived the ravages of lymphatic cancer, which had turned his life upside-down a few years before, he now had to face up to an even more devastating diagnosis from his doctor. 

Eddy was told he had chronic leukaemia, a slow-growing cancer that begins in the bone marrow.

“I took it as a life sentence,” he says. “The biggest luxury in life is time, and it’s how you spend it that makes all the difference.” 

As an actor, MC, motivational speaker, and marketing director for a clinical company, Eddy makes the most of every moment, especially when it comes to his great mission in life — sharing his story of challenge and change with anyone who will listen. 

Eddy is a winner of the Bachelor of the Year title, raising awareness and funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa and other organisations. He is also an eager participant in the annual Hollard Daredevil Run, where he dons a purple Speedo and sprints through the streets to raise awareness of cancer.

But the title he is most proud of is simply: survivor. With wit, grace, and candour, Eddy chats with Ruda about life, change, and getting up and getting on with life every brand-new day.