Chronicle Editor
Sunday News Reporter
SCORES of Bulawayo residents yesterday thronged the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair main arena for the annual Zimpapers and Island Hospice and Healthcare Cancer Power Walk.
Close to 100 people from all walks of life assembled at the venue at 6am for the start of the 7km walk, which was followed by a 45-minute Zumba dance session.
Beauty queen, Jemima Mandemwa who is the reigning Miss Earth, led from the front in raising cancer awareness.
“I decided to join in the walk because this is for a noble cause.
We have to support the fight against cancer and help in raising awareness. I am happy a lot of people came today and we should continue to preach the message of cancer and encourage people to get tested. People must also engage in physical exercises so that they keep fit, which is in line with fitness and wellness,” she said.
Island Hospice Bulawayo branch coordinator, Dr Natsayi Mujuru said the fight against cancer was everyone’s fight.
“We have to raise awareness about cancer at every given opportunity. Cancer can affect anyone and for men, the most common is prostate cancer while for women it’s breast cancer. We encourage people to get tested so that they can get the necessary health care if need be.
“We also want to thank Zimpapers for organising this event and everyone who took their time to participate in the walk,” she said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Zimpapers Digital and Publishing Division Bulawayo Technical Manager Mr Shadreck Chikamhi said men should also participate in cancer awareness programmes.
“Thanks to everyone who has come for the Power Walk and thanks to our sponsors. But I notice we are having fewer men here compared to women. There is a misconception out there that cancer affects women only. That is not true.
Cancer also affects men and it is also our responsibility to spread awareness on the various types of cancer and encourage each and every one of us to get tested so that, if need be, we can receive medical attention,” he said.
Similar events also took place in Harare, Mutare, Masvingo, Gweru and Kariba, with funds raised set to assist in the fight against cancer. Sponsors for this year’s Cancer Power Walk included Sunny Yi Feng, who were the Platinum partner, Bata, Fusertech, National Aids Council, Micour Visions, ZITF, Amtec, Clean Zimbabwe, Randnet, Refresher Mineral Water, Karorina’s wellness spa and Wellness Medical Aid Society. The Zimbabwe Republic Police also provided road escort to participants, while the Bulawayo City Council chipped in with an ambulance to ensure timely medical care to participants if need be.
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