THOUSANDS of people around South Africa and the rest of the world have marked the end of cancer awareness month by joining the first Virtual Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer presented by the Eastern Cape Department of Health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCancer knows no boundaries, and by going virtual we were able to spread awareness of the disease and to show support for those affected by cancer way beyond Nelson Mandela Bay, which has been the home of the event for the past 21 years,\u201d says Algoa FM marketing manager Lesley Geyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People signed up for the event from as far afield as Australia, England, Scotland and Dubai. Around South Africa, there were walkers in pink in the main centres of Cape Town, Durban, East London, Johannesburg and around 50 other towns and cities in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The biggest support came from Nelson Mandela Bay, with walkers from Uitenhage and Despatch and 80 suburbs turning the metro pink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe exceeded the benchmark of attracting 40 per cent or more of the people who took part in the last physical event before COVID-19,\u201d says Geyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMore than 5 500 people entered online for the virtual event and judging by the images that were shared there were thousands more who walked in support of those affected by cancer,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMost of those who joined the virtual walk from abroad have links with the Eastern Cape, which they maintain by tuning in to Algoa FM through audio streaming, engaging with us in social media pages and visiting the website,\u201d says Algoa FM managing director Alfie Jay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe success of our first Virtual Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer puts us in a stronger position to connect with our audience and help our clients stage a myriad of virtual events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLessons have been learned and we will continue raising the bar,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schools supported the Big Walk by encouraging their pupils and parents to enter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is so important for us all to raise awareness about cancer, as it certainly has or sadly will impact our lives in some shape or form if not already,\u201d says Alex Hall, headmaster of St George\u2019s Preparatory School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The school arranged walks in the week leading up to Saturday, October 31. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo raise awareness and some money in a bright and positive manner is such a privilege and a wonderful event that we are very proud to support. Thank you MTN and Algoa FM for allowing us to be part of this special day, he adds\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is the biggest walking\/running event in the Eastern Cape,\u201d says Rudi van Tonder, Chairman of the Elite Athletics Club, which has handled the logistics for the walk since inception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are humbled to be part of an event that is bigger than any of us. When visiting the cancer ward at the Provincial Hospital, we saw the difference we are making by supporting Igazi Foundation, which is the 2020 beneficiary,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Igazi Foundation is humbled to have been chosen to be the benefactor of the first Virtual Algoa FM Virtual Big Walk for Cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo have the support of Algoa FM and the public, walking on behalf of cancer patients is a show of love and support desperately needed in these times of social distancing,\u201d says Cole Cameron, Chief Executive Officer of the Igazi Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corporates in the Eastern Cape added their support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIsuzu Motors South Africa is very proud once again to serve as the vehicle partner for Algoa FM\u2019s Big Walk for Cancer,\u201d says Denise van Huyssteen, corporate affairs executive at ISUZU Motors SA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis initiative is particularly important during these unprecedented times of COVID-19 which has literally dominated all spheres of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe should not forget about the many lives which cancer continues to impact upon and the ongoing need to raise awareness around the prevention and detection of cancer,\u201d she adds. 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