This year from March 16th to the 24th the Cancer Council NSW launched Mate v Mate; a challenge laid down to mates nationwide, an epic test of valor, mano-a-mano, a battle for matewide domination! Actually, it's a lot more chilled than all that and the idea behind Mate v Mate is simple: raise Cancer awareness amongst men. This is awareness surrounding healthy lifestyle choices, which can seriously reduce the cancer risk (in some cases by 30%) and the fact that 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer by the time they're 85. The statistic is nuts and yet blokes are comparatively less likely to visit their GP and get regular check-ups than women (guys....seriously?). So, Mate v Mate is essentially about mates looking out for mates; think of it as Mates 4 Mates. In the course of that fateful week in March, mates across the country competed against each other in stand-up-comedy-offs, thumb wrestling, you name it. Each challenge went towards raising much needed money for cancer research AND a very good time was had by all involved = ideal outcome. Bondi Lifeguard's from the hit TV series Bondi Rescue, Trent ‘Maxi’ Maxwell and Troy ‘Gonzo’ Quinlan ran the Mate v Mate Gauntlet this year and decided to, well, we'll let the boys fill you in themselves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNfNoHjADeg We sat down with Maxi and Gonzo before the race of their lives to get a feel for their head space and ended up discovering more than we bargained for re: intimate knowledge of their mate's undies, tears over social media and bird poo... Who’s the better driver? Maxi: Considering Gonz doesn't have a car I might win but I'm sure it will be close. Gonzo: I would have to say myself due to Maxi still driving like he's on his L plates. Who’s the got the smoothest pick-up lines? Maxi: All I say is "how's this weather?" It's a win-win situation. If it’s crap weather you have a convo, if it’s good weather you got a convo. Always works! Gonzo: I don't use pick up lines, I use my charm. Your mate’s funniest moment captured by the Bondi Rescue cameras? Maxi: Gonz saw a bird poo in my mouth - they captured that! But I did witness Troy rescue a lady and she gave him a rose, that's pretty funny. Gonzo: Every moment with Maxi is hilarious. The best would have to be when we were driving up the beach and bird shit went in his mouth. What do you reckon would make your mate cry? Maxi: If I grass-cut him at the pub. Gonzo: If his social media crashed. What undies do you think your mate wears? Maxi: I think grandpa undies; he has always got ‘em on. I don't wear any, haha. Gonzo: Just quietly, I don't think he wears any. Why are you going to win? Maxi: Don't want to jinx myself but I'm going to go hard in the car and get around the course without sliding out! Gonzo: Because I am the ultimate! So, how did they go with their 'Star in a Reasonably Priced Car Challenge' on the 1.8km myPlates South Circuit at Top Gear Festival Australia? Maxi put together a bit of a home movie for Australia's viewing pleasure: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J48YJ5m-JB8&sns=em Courtesy of @lifeguardmaxi 'At the @TGFSydney this is the video I put together hope you enjoy it like I did @Lifeguard_Gonz @CancerCouncil' Well done, to both of the boys! A great day for a great cause; so now, next time you're throwing down a challenge (you know you're going to win) for your mate, just have a quick think about the importance of regular check-ups and always encourage your mates to speak up if something’s not right health-wise. Courtesy of @CancerCouncil 'Our ambassadors @Lifeguard_Gonz & @lifeguardmaxi getting ready for their #MateVMate challenge @TGFSydney #Volvo'

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To help fund their work to beat cancer you can donate to the Cancer Council at www.cancercouncil.com.au or check out Mate v Mate on www.matevmate.com.au and their facebook page.