Thousands of Capetonians of all ages will take to the track at Athlone’s Vygieskraal Stadium in a 12-hour relay race over two days to raise funds in the fight against cancer.
This is the ninth year the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) will hold its Relay for Life. The event, which starts on Friday March 18, at 6pm, and ends on Saturday March 19, at 6am, not only raises money, it also helps participants identify with the suffering of cancer patients for whom cancer never sleeps.
Cancer survivors and caregivers will be among the honourary guests at the relay.
Mandy Adams, a Cansa committee member, said the relay was a very emotional experience.
“The event is important to raise funds for research support and care in the community and to create awareness among the community that we are aware that people get diagnosed on a daily basis and that we are there to assist patients of all ages.”
At the event, a lighting ceremony will honour those who have died and a fighting back ceremony will honour those who have been diagnosed with cancer as well as survivors and those in remission. “About 150 teams consisting of 15 members each will be participating in this year’s relay. We can expect about 2 500 visitors to attend as well,” said Ms Adams.
The race includes the fight-back lap, the wig lap, the onesie lap, the purple lap, and the single-ladies lap. Last year, 4 500 people and 197 teams from suburbs all over the city took part.
Spectators can attend from 5pm to midnight. Entry is R30 for adults and R20 for children under 12.
For details about the event and the work Cansa does, you can contact Ms Adams at mandymia64 @gmail.com or 081 798 9164.
