Living healthy does not have to be a weighty issue
Durban North resident urges people to raise funds and awareness at the 'Let's Gijima for CANSA Active' on Sunday, 4 February
EIGHTEEN months ago, Durban North resident Caryn Holton, made a life-changing decision to have a gastric bypass procedure done. Since then she has lost an incredible 65 kilograms through healthy eating and regular exercise. Holton who is an ambassador for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) cycled the Amashova 35 kilometres event in the association’s colours last year where she raised R4 000.
Now she is hoping not only to raise funds but also awareness as she takes on the ‘Let’s Gijima for CANSA Active’ on Sunday, 4 February. The event, held on World Cancer Day, aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease, pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action.
“I’ve been involved with CANSA for about four years now but only recently did I decide to use my life-changing journey to raise funds for the organisation. Losing that many kilograms has made me feel like a completely new person, I’m half the person I was before. Before I had the gastric bypass I couldn’t exercise or anything strenuous, I would prefer to watch TV then go out for a walk.
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“Being able to ‘be’ active is awesome. When I was at my heaviest and carrying all the extra weight, it really puts the handbrakes on what you can and can’t do. But thanks to a very supportive partner, I’ve managed to turn my life around and apply a different mindset and that’s staying active and healthy,” she explained.
She urged residents to get involved in this year’s Gijima event to help support the association.
“CANSA does so much for people affected by this dreaded disease without getting much back in return. I will doing the 5 kilometre even with my dog Jack and we are looking forward to the event,” she said.
- The event starts at the Bay of Plenty Amphitheater next to Circus Circus. Registration is from 6.30am and the race starts at 8am. The cost to enter is R80 for adults, R50 for kids and a CANSA wrap is included.
