Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon paints Emmarentia pink

EMMARENTIA – 30 000 community members walk to raise awareness and hope in the fight against breast cancer.

October 23, 2018

Nicholas Zaal 1 minute read

Omphile Maake, Buntle Maake, Lesedi Mmutlane, Kopano Maake and Khutsa Maake.

Pink tutus and joy abounded at the 13th annual Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon, held to raise awareness and hope in the fight against breast cancer.

Marks Park Sports Club and its surrounding suburbs saw about 30 000 women and men, young and old walk for a good cause on 21 October.

Many brought their dogs along too.

The Jane family, Tshiamo, Tumi, Kabo and Lebo.

Lerato Tokwe, Nancy Neti, Princess Hlafu and Jane Masego behind, and Nosiphiwo Tokwe (5) in front.

The walkathon sees about 30 000 people walking for a good cause.

The atmosphere was vibrant and music boomed through speakers as walkers made their way along 5km and 8km routes, this after many had to walk more than 1km from some parking venues to the start line.

But it was all for a good cause.

Many held in mind the loved ones they had lost to cancer and some carried signs in their honour.

Various organisations set up gazebos on the finishing field where participants spent time afterwards.

Among these organisations was the South African National Blood Service which held a blood drive.

Drienie Mills donates blood at the walkathon.

Donor relations practitioner for Sanbs, Boitumelo Sentso hugs the Blood Buddy.

“This is our first year here and we are here because we believe in the cause [of fighting against breast cancer],” said donor relations practitioner at the blood service, Boitumelo Sentso.

She added that some cancer patients needed blood after chemotherapy and the blood service provided it.

“We are working hand in hand in the fight and will be here next year and every year after that.”

Spokesperson of the walkathon, Katlego Modipane said the event was the largest single-day breast cancer awareness event in the company’s 50 markets.

“[The walkathon] is key to the company’s breast cancer promise of reaching over 100 million women worldwide with key information that will help them understand and lower their risk of breast cancer,” he said.