New record for the Algoa FM Boardwalk Big Walk for Cancer

click to enlarge

Last year less than 8,000 people entered the walk with just over 4,000 people participating on the day with the storm and flooding that transpired the morning of the walk.

This year the weather played its part and most of the entrants pitched for the walk which resulted in a sea of pink in Port Elizabeth; creating awareness for cancer.

The 5km walk in Port Elizabeth is aimed at creating awareness about cancer. In 2014 all proceeds have gone to support the Igazi Foundation.

Walkers were given their starting orders by Miss SA 2014 Rolene Strauss. In addition, numerous honorary dignitaries participated in the event that was hosted by Algoa FM and The Boardwalk.

They included the Premier of the Eastern Cape Phumulo Masualle, MEC for Health Dr. Phumza Dyantyi, MEC for Social Development Ms Nancy Sihlwayi and Deputy Minister for Social Development Mrs. Henrietta Bokopane-Zulu.

"This year's walk has set a benchmark for other mass participation events in the province. We can confidently say that the Algoa FM Boardwalk Big Walk for Cancer is the best-loved event in the Eastern Cape. We once again thank our listeners for responding to our call to action," says the MD of Algoa FM, Dave Tiltmann.

All funds from the 25 October event will be used to move the current 6-bed Paediatric Oncology Ward from Dora Nginza Hospital to a 25-bed ward on the third floor of a wing in the Provincial Hospital which also houses the Igazi Foundation.

"We are delighted with this year's beneficiary for the walk," says Brett Hoppé, GM of The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World.

"Cancer affects everyone from all walks of life and people of any age, but having seen first-hand the traumatic effect that cancer can have on an adult, the thought of a child having to deal with that trauma is incomprehensible.

"Therefore, The Boardwalk is proud to be associated with this event," he says.

"It's important that people stand together, take action and drive change. The community of the Nelson Mandela Bay drove change today and that's what we at Igazi call 'people power'. All the walkers can be assured that they have made a massive impact in the lives of children affected by cancer in the Eastern Cape," says Dr Neil Littleton, Founding Member of the Igazi Foundation.