Moffat Mungazi
Post Reporter
SCORES of people, young and old, turned up to participate in this year’s edition of the annual Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk in Mutare, an event aimed at raising funds and increasing awareness in fighting the disease.
Participants took part in the 5km, 10km and 21km walks, starting off and finishing at Manicaland Motoring Club.
Activities of the day included free general medical checks, free breast cancer and prostate cancer screening, aerobics and zumba.
The event received technical support from Manicaland Athletics Board.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, The Manica Post editor Mrs Wendy Nyakurerwa-Matinde said sensiting people on cancer is crucial in the fight against the disease.
“As Zimpapers, we are using our influence as a media organisation to make huge impact in raising and increasing awareness on cancer. As such, we hold the Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk annualy to sensitise people on the disease. The proceeds raised from the event go to our partner Island Hospice and Healthcare to cater for the palliative care and treatment of cancer patients. As Zimpapers we are walking the talk on this noble cause.
“We are grateful for the support we received from sponsoring partners, technical partners and everyone who participated in the event to make it highly successful. Together we can win this fight against cancer,” said Mrs Nyakurerwa-Matinde.
Island Hospice and Healthcare branch coordinator for Mutare Ms Alice Dube said preventing cancer or its early detection is the most effective way of combating the disease.
“While treatment of cancer must fully be supported, the most effective way of combating the disease is to prevent it or to detect it as early as possible. In this regard awareness is very important. We encourage people to speak to their doctors, clinic or community health workers about how to prevent cancer,” said Ms Dube.
She said Island Hospice and Healthcare is grateful to Zimpapers for continuing to support the fight against cancer through the annual Cancer Power Walk and commended the diversified media giant for taking awareness seriously.