Port Elizabeth - The annual five kilometre Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer is expected to bring a sea of pink along the Port Elizabeth beach front as residents will put on their walking shoes and circuit in aid of the dreaded disease.
The annual event, which will take place on November 4, has grown enormously in popularity. The event is in its 19th year and attracts thousands of people across the city.
This year the theme is "Walk as 1, with the slogan being "we walk for family, we walk for fun, we walk as 1". Proceeds raised by the 2017 walk will got to CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa), CANSA (The Cancer Association of South Africa) and the Igazi Foundation.
The Igazi Foundation has been treating Eastern Cape blood cancer patients since 2010, and 2017 will be its fourth year of receiving support from the Big Walk.
CHOC and CANSA, which provides prevention and early detection services in Port Elizabeth, are being supported for the second consecutive year.
"These organisations make a real difference in the lives of people with cancer and those close to them. It is a privilege for Algoa FM to be able to raise funds for their work," said Dohne Damons PR and CSI Manager at Algoa FM.
"What we have learnt over the years from the province's leading cancer support services is that there is always hope of remission, and that cancer in the family affects all generations," said Damons.
The Eastern Cape Department of Health has also once again come on board to support the annual event.
The department's MEC, Dr Pumza Dyantyi, called on members of the public to come out in their numbers to support cancer victims.
"Cancer is one of the serious challenges society faces. The Eastern Cape Department of Health fully supports the Big Walk and urges all members of the public to continue supporting the initiative. Let us be there in our numbers to demonstrate our support of cancer victims," said Dyanti.