A former Bloemfontein police officer and two SAPS colleagues on Thursday completed a marathon walk from the City of Roses to Nelson Mandela Bay to raise awareness about cancer.
Former Lieutenant-Colonel, Deon van der Merwe, who lost his wife Johlene to cancer in August 2015, was joined by two SAPS members, Swannie Swanepoel and Anton Crafford, on the more than 600km journey.
They also aimed to raise R100 000 for Cansa.
“Another reason for his walk was to pay tribute to the caregivers who live with cancer patients and to inspire and motivate the affected families,” said police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu.
Van Der Merwe set off on 7 May from the Bloemfontein K9 Unit and ended his marathon journey at the SAPS K9 unit in Port Elizabeth.
They were joined on the last few kilometres on their walk by several senior officials and also received an escort by members of the police’s mounted unit.
“He also aimed at using this walk as an encouragement of hope and support to all SAPS members who are living with cancer,” Naidu said.
Caption: Major-General Thembeka Dyanti from the office of the Provincial Commissioner, Deon Van Der Merwe, Swannie Swanepoel, Anton Crafford and Lieutenant-General, Thembisile Patekile.
(Pics: SAPS)
