Proudly South African actress Vanessa Haywood who has hit the big time with her fellow colleagues when the movie District 9 made it all the way to the Oscars has taken on another challenge, and its here in Knysna.

Haywood will be remembered for playing the role of Tania who lost her onscreen husband into the realm of the alien prawns, and now she is not in Knysna to try and reclaim him back from these critters, but has opted rather to participate in what will be a gruelling BIG 5 Challenge at the 2010 Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival.

Salomon Featherbed Trail Run presented by Petzl organisers Magnetic South caught up with Vanessa when her entry was being processed for their upcoming event.

“ This will be our third year since the Trail Run concept was first introduced to the Festival and 2010 has certainly proven that the event has not only been endorsed by the Trail Running community as a must do, but is also attracting celebrities outside the running world as well. Having such diverse personalities as Vanessa Haywood who hails from the movie industry to cricketing legend Jonty Rhodes we are in for an incredible vibe come event day on the 6 July 2010. Without question Featherbed Ferry Terminus @ Cruise Café is the place to be.” said Chris Crewdson of Magnetic South.

Currently in the UK shooting another movie and training for the Big 5 at the same time….now that’s multi tasking….. Vanessa Haywood has also used this opportunity to raise much needed funds for the Starfish Foundation. It is not often that a celebrity from the glitz and glamour world of the silver screen and magazine covers is able to combine this with having the stamina and endurance, plus proficiency to take on five  sporting challenges as well.

Follow Vanessa on Twitter to see how she is preparing for the Big 5 on @VanHaywood.

Or alternatively click onto the various websites below to see more of our latest Hollywood export.

Official website – www.vanessahaywood.com
You Tube - http://www.youtube.com/user/VanessaHaywood
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=603390294
Twitter - https://twitter.com/VanHaywood

For more information on the Starfish Foundation please refer to www.starfishcharity.org. To support Vanessa there are two forms of sponsorship available and funds can either be paid into the following account

Bliss Occasion Management
First National Bank (South Africa)
Account number: 62191960535
Cheque account
Branch name: Broadacres
Branch code: 204809

Or directly into Starfish through their easy payment page on their website.

Reminder to get your entries in at www.magneticsouth.net as places are filling fast and with the news of our celebrity guests spreading like wildfire it is all going to be happening and you don’t want to Miss The Boat.