Lace Up for Cancer 2016: Huge Success!

Currently, 8.2 million people die from cancer worldwide every year, out of which, 4 million people die aged between 30 to 69 years (World Cancer Day).

Over 4000 people participated in this year’s Lace-Up for Cancer Run/Walk which took place on the 4 February 2016 at the Green Point promenade in Cape Town, South Africa. This event is held to raise awareness for World Cancer Day that takes place on the 4th February and aims to unite the world’s population in the fight against cancer. The World cancer Day Organisation’s goal is to save millions of lives by educating people about the disease, pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action. 

This year marks the 10th anniversary of World Cancer Day and the theme for 2016 is “We can. I can” showing the public that everyone can play a role in battling cancer.

We can: Reduce cancer risk; develop a healthy workplace and a healthy environment; stop myths that lead to stigma against cancer patients; encourage schools to educate children on how to prevent cancer; demand governments to increase funding for cancer treatment facilities.

I can: Take control of my cancer journey; stop smoking for good; learn about the signs and symptoms linked to cancer; have regular medical check-ups and cancer screening; share stories of care.

In 2012, Lace-Up for Cancer was started by Eric Watlington, Communications Officer for the Hospice Palliative Care Association with 16 people participating. Eric is still the leader in organising Lace-Up and we congratulate him on the success of the 2016 event with over 4000 participants, including 62 staff from Netcare, Kuilsriver Hospital and 120 staff from PathCare.

This 2016 event was organised by a Cancer Alliance sub-committee from HPCA, CANSA, CHOC, Love Your Nuts, People Living with Cancer and the Sunflower Fund with the professional assistance of PublicitySA. Lace-Up for Cancer aims to support people living with cancer – both those diagnosed with cancer and their families; to encourage cancer survival and cancer survivors; and to remember those who have died from cancer carrying their memories in our hearts today and every day. We also celebrate victories against cancer and stand together against this relentless disease.

The Cancer Alliance executive committee express thanks to membership organisation staff and volunteers who helped to make the event a great success managing the registration and walk itself smoothly. Thank you also to Andrea, Claudell and the team at Publicity SA, the food and beverage vendors, cancer organisation volunteers manning information tables; Boundless Sounds  and DJ Gavin Stander; the sponsors of the event prizes and our major sponsor GVI Oncology.

Above all thank you to everyone who joined us on the walk – your presence and support for cancer organisations made the event an overwhelming success!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!! Diarise Saturday 4th February, 2017

Post comments about the run:

“What a fun event. We will definitely be doing it again next year. X” – Louise Rubach

“Doing it for our mamma anita who is 5 years cancer free ♡♡♡” – Michele Thomas

“Was so awesome … what a great cause!” – Kauthar Koti Willoughby

“Our 2nd Lace Up For Cancer marks my 2 year in remission ‪#‎lotsmorehairallaround…thanks for the support Hospice for Pallative Care Association.” – Genevieve Haupt‎

“What a awesome fun event for such a great cause and awareness … there was so much fun and happiness around, lots of laughing and just a great vibe to be able to mingle with and walk through. Will definitely be taking part again next year. Great little goodie bags. Thanks to all the organisers and charities who were involved, well done!” – Cheryl Van Zyl