Latwell Nyangu
THE Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk lived up to its star billing after it was oversubscribed.
Several people thronged the Old Hararians Sports Club for the eighth edition of the event.
This year’s edition was running under the theme, ‘Close the Care Gap’.
The same event was also held in Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo, Gweru and Chinhoyi.
Zimpapers hosted the event, in partnership with Island Hospice, as part of its corporate social responsibility programme to raise awareness and contribute to the fight against cancer.
Zimpapers chief excutive, Mr Pikirayi Deketeke, said the turnout was overwhelming.
“It’s a fantastic turnout and it shows that the initiative is growing not only in Harare but Gweru, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Chinhoyi and Mutare.
“And, it’s amazing how people are responding and I hope that we are making an impact in creating awareness in cancer and helping people managing diseases.
“This is also helping people get tested and managing the disease and also the sponsorship has been great. More corporates are joining the campaign.”
Survivors also shared their experiences on how they conquered.
“It wasn’t an easy journey but I managed to conquer. We are afraid but we shouldn’t be. Go and see doctors. Don’t be fooled,” said a survivor.
Another said:
“You should be tested and get treated. Let’s get tested so that we survive.”
A survivor Tinashe Chihwayi said:
“I just encourage everyone to get and tested, I am a survivor of 12 years.”
Some of the sponsors included FBC Holdings and Sunny Yi Feng Tiles, who are the diamond sponsors, West Group Security Services, Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, West Property, Masuka Christian High School, Bak Logistics, Rue’s Paper Flowers, Sir Charles Hybrid Travel & Tours, Ambulance Care and Evacuation, Oriental Multi-Media, Pathology Laboraties, Hitbay, Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, MIC Radiology, Baines Intercare Medical Centre, Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe, Speed Bikes, Zimswitch, People’s Republic of China, Allied Health Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council Masvingo, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and FLIMAS.