Lockdown walk for Cansa

GET off the couch and put on your walking shoes, Cansa Durban has a fun challenge that will not only get you moving under lockdown, but will help raise funds.

The challenge was inspired by Captain Tom Moore who turned 100 recently, and raised 26-million pounds sterling for NHS U.K. through sponsorship from walking 100 laps in his garden. He has gone on to receive international recognition for this achievement. When he set out on his goal, his aim was to raise 2000 pounds. Now Cansa Durban, is planning to do the same in order to raise funds for the Mkhuhla Care Home and TLC Lodge, both of which provide accommodation to out-of-town patients whilst on cancer treatment in Durban.

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Cancer does not go away during ‘lockdown’ and cancer patients are particularly vulnerable whilst on treatment. Many hospitals in KZN have had to close on account of staff testing positive for the coronoavirus. Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital has a paediatric cancer ward which is completely closed to any visitors including parents. At present, Cansa Durban’s TLC Lodge is home to a family from far out of town who has a child undergoing treatment at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital. Throughout lockdown, the association has accommodated a number of adult patients who are able to continue with their treatment.

To inspire people further, Joan Deare, who turned 80 on 1 May and is recovering from a fractured pelvis and spine, has a history of orthopaedic surgery and is also a colon cancer survivor, led the charge on crutches! She set out to walk 100 laps or 15000 steps in her garden before celebrating her birthday on 1 May. Speaking to Joan this week she said she had achieved what she had set out to do and the campaign had so far managed to raise R10 000.

“I’m still walking!” she said laughing. Joan said the walk had inspired her to keep on walking and with the new level 4 lockdown regulations which came into effect on Friday, she has even ventured out her garden between the allowed times of 6am and 9am, and did a short distance walk.

“It was a little different from walking on the grass in my garden, but it all went fine,” she said, adding that she was delighted to be “back into walking.”

Now, Cansa is encouraging individuals with gardens, residents in retirement homes and anyone who relates to the issue to compete and raise sponsorship for Cansa Durban. The number of laps is optional and can be done over a period of time starting when convenient and finishing by the time lockdown ends.Cansa is hoping to raise R26 000.

For more information contact 079 691 9973 or Morne Holloway on 072 883 5987If you would like to register to walk, mail mholloway@cansa.org.za

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