12/11/2025
6 000 Ribbons of hope: One car, thousands of stories
On 6 December 2025, four South Africans will gather around a Renault Duster 4×4 in a powerful act of unity - transforming the vehicle into a moving monument of courage, loss, and hope.
The event, set to take place in Pretoria at Renault Silver Lakes, will see a passionate team attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most awareness ribbons on a single vehicle. The current record stands at 5 637 ribbons, but this South African team has set its sights on 6 000 ribbons - each one carrying a name, a story, and a heartbeat.
Every ribbon will be hand-tied, hand-written, and deeply personal - a tribute to someone touched by cancer, a message of remembrance, or a symbol of hope for those still fighting.
At the centre of it all is Billy Cowley, a man whose name has become synonymous with resilience. Well-known for his infectious energy and passion for life, Billy is currently living with stage 4 cancer and has turned his ongoing battle into a mission to uplift others. Over the years, he’s shared his journey openly, inspiring thousands with his honesty, humour, and unwavering belief in hope.
“This car will carry thousands of names, but it will also carry thousands of stories,” Billy says softly.
“Each ribbon is a symbol of courage, love, and the fight against cancer. We want South Africa to rally behind this cause and show the world what hope looks like.”
Joining Billy are three women whose own stories bring layers of meaning to the project.
Babette, a fellow survivor, radiates light wherever she goes - her laughter, she says, is her victory song.
Anél Alexander, the beloved actress who lost her husband to cancer, channels her pain into purpose.
“This is more than a record attempt,” Anél explains.
“It’s a moment to honour the people we’ve loved and lost, and to stand beside those still fighting. When my husband passed away, I promised myself I would keep his memory alive by helping others. This is part of that promise.”
And then there’s Kate Hayes - just nine years old, a bright-eyed survivor whose bravery reminds everyone that even the smallest voices can echo the loudest messages.
Each ribbon will be different, as required by Guinness World Records - no two may look the same. Each will bear a name written by hand, transforming the car into a patchwork of remembrance, resilience, and love.
But the team cannot do it alone. They’re inviting the public to be part of this record-breaking moment by sponsoring ribbons for R30 each. Every donation represents a tribute - a name of someone you love, someone you’ve lost, or someone who’s still fighting. Donors can even share the names to be written on the ribbons, ensuring that every story finds its place on the car.
Businesses are also encouraged to get involved by launching company challenges, sponsoring hundreds of ribbons, and daring other organisations to match or surpass their contribution. Each corporate challenge will help cover a greater part of the car - transforming competition into compassion.
All proceeds from the initiative will go to Pink Drive and Sungardens Hospice, two organisations tirelessly working to fight cancer through awareness, education, screenings, and patient care.
“This project is about far more than breaking a record,” says Billy.
“It’s about giving people a place to remember, to celebrate, to heal. When we see that car -covered in colour, in names, in love - we’ll see what South Africa is capable of when we come together.”
As the final ribbon is tied, the car will become more than a vehicle; it will be a symbol. A reminder that while cancer may touch countless lives, hope travels further.
Each knot will tell a story. Each colour will carry a message. And when the car finally drives away - shimmering under the weight of 6 000 names - it will drive not only into the record books, but straight into the hearts of a nation.
To add your ribbon, honour a loved one, or issue a company challenge, visit https://bit.ly/SA_CancerGuinnessWorldRecordSupport.
Together, we can build the world’s most powerful car — one ribbon, one name, one act of love at a time.
For sponsorships and more information, contact Billy Cowley at 082 731 4062 or [email protected].
