An energetic and vibey crowd of nearly 11 000 people took more than half an hour to stroll past the starting post in the annual Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer presented by the Eastern Cape Department of Health on Saturday, November 4.
Faster walkers who were in the front row for the five-kilometre charity event were arriving at the finishing line as the last families, with babies in prams, walked under the arch over the start line.
Perfect weather attracted a large number of people who only registered on the morning of the event.
Dr Pumza Dyantyi, Eastern Cape MEC for Health, fired off the starter’s pistol for the more than 10 750 walkers.
“Let’s encourage people with cancer. Let’s support people who are living with cancer. Let’s support the survivors,” she said.
“Having the Eastern Cape Department of Health on board as a partner for the past three years has certainly elevated the awareness of cancer in the Eastern Cape, and placed emphasis on prevention,” said Algoa FM managing director Dave Tiltmann.
“They are an amazing partner, and today’s turnout is a testament to our shared commitment to supporting those affected by cancer,” he said.
“The vibe at the Sun Boardwalk today was just incredible. It is always a wake-up call to see how many people have been affected by cancer, either personally or through family and friends,” added Algoa FM operations director Alfie Jay.
“Our message is that even if you have cancer you still have a life to live,” said Dr Pemmy Majodina, Eastern Cape MEC of sports, recreation and culture.
“Walking in this event is part of one of the programmes we must support in order to build our nation and to ensure that we involve everyone because cancer knows no colour.
“Walking together we can all support those affected by cancer,” she said.
Dr Majodina, and Dr Dyantyi were joined on the walk by the MEC of provincial treasury Sahkumzi Somyo.
The beneficiaries of the 2017 Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer presented by the Eastern Cape Department of Health are the Igazi Foundation, CHOC and CANSA.
