SkyBalls appeal: Chris O'Dowd's charity appeal that's a load of balls (but in a good way)
Testicular cancer campaign aims 'to build a fully operational hot-air balloon in the shape of a huge scrotum'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.For some, the recent trend of wealthy celebrities asking for money from crowdfunding websites has looked like a load of hot air and, frankly, balls.
So our attention was drawn to "SkyBalls" a new appeal that hopes to raise £100,000 "to build a fully operational hot-air balloon in the shape of a huge scrotum to challenge the taboos and embarrassment surrounding testicular cancer".
The giant ballbag would then, presumably, become a floating, unavoidable (and very funny) reminder of male health. The stunt, on the Indiegogo.com website, is the idea of the Male Cancer Awareness Campaign (MCAC) and fronted by Chris O'Dowd, the actor known for his roles in The IT Crowd and Bridesmaids.
"I've been a big supporter of the Male Cancer Awareness Campaign for a few years now," says O'Dowd. "[It's] all about getting people involved through affirmative action. And what could be more life-affirming than building a hot-air balloon like this?" For a £5 donation you get a sticker, for £10,000 the ball balloon will come to a location or event of your choosing, anywhere in the world. At the time of writing it had raised £6,357.
MCAC has form for eye-grabbing campaigns. A recent video featured Rhian Sugden, a glamour model, in lingerie, asking viewers if they "want to see me touch myself". She then produced a pair of testicles from her briefs and demonstrated how to feel them.
It seems that campaigns for the "embarrassing" cancers have to get bigger and better each time. Thus appeals such as Movember (the moustache-growing event to raise money for male health) or Coppafeel (encouraging women to feel their breasts) are under pressure to grow and to outdo themselves each year in the "wacky" – or at least eye-catching – stakes.
But if SkyBalls works, it will be a lot less balls than many of the crowdfunding efforts fronted by the famous.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments