PARTICIPANTS in the Eastern Cape’s biggest mass charity event, the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer, will be raising funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) to purchase a much-needed vehicle to transport patients to and from treatment.
This year’s walk, to be held on October 26, is themed “celebrate every step” as a tribute to those who have been affected by cancer either personally or through a loved one.
The Big Walk for Cancer will have two ambassadors, Xylon van Eyck and Dr Lesley Lee, both of whom will be celebrating their own steps and victories against cancer.
Dr Lee, who is a divisional head at Volkswagen South Africa in Uitenhage, says she is enjoying her first year as brand ambassador for what has become the single biggest public participation charity event in the Eastern Cape.
She lost her right leg to a rare form of cancer when she was in Grade 11. Undeterred, she continued to study and today holds a PhD in change management.
TV presenter, sports promoter and keen cyclist, van Eyck grew up in Booysens Park, Port Elizabeth. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 26, and has been in remission since 2014.
“The Department of Health will once again be a part of the journey, providing Eastern Cape residents with free screenings and information clinics in an effort to promote early detection throughout the province,” says Sizwe Kupelo, provincial health spokesperson.
The pre-event screenings are being held in Maclear, Peddie and Graaff-Reinet.
Big Walk entrants will be able to enjoy free breast examination screens, diabetic testing, hypertension as well as Body Mass Index Tests at the private screening facility at Big Walk Registration which will be situated in the Boardwalk’s Expo Level on Thursday and Friday, 24 and 25 October, from 13:00 to 19:00.
To enter the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer visit the Algoa FM page at www.algoafm.co.za
