Autumn walk for life
Last Sunday morning MABS hosted their annual 5km Walk for Cancer in Moraira – with the castle making for a stunning backdrop.
Traditionally the event takes place in the Spring but had to be moved as the town hall couldn’t accommodate the event due to too many others taking place at the same time. It was originally due to take place the week before but because of the torrential rains the previous month many other planned events had to be rescheduled and once again the walk was shunted forward another week – but despite all the hurdles, it did go ahead albeit with a lower turnout but no less enthusiasm.
President Jacqueline Phillips set up MABS twenty years ago having been diagnosed with breast and throat cancer and finding that there was no support during or after treatment. Together with 4 other ladies what was a small group grew in size and services and in 2017 they became a Foundation, a significant step up in recognition of the work and services it offers to all living here in Spain and diagnosed with this dreadful disease. But their mission remains the same – To counsel, care and comfort people affected by cancer.
Organising such a walk takes a lot of time and energy – from registering at the town hall, to notifying Local Police to assist with road closures and escorts along the route. One of the hardest challenges though is getting sponsors for such events to help finance the goodie bags given to each participant. The Lady Elizabeth school certainly came up trumps by sponsoring the free tshirts that were handed out and bottles of water were donated by Iceland Overseas supermarket. There are many loyal businesses who support MABS and SR Print & Design in Ondara is another, who without fail print posters, leaflets and literature all for free – a huge heartfelt thanks to Katie and Ian.
To get walkers and runners ready, there was a quick pre-start warm up exercise session, with music via a live broadcast by Pure Gold FM – it got my toes tapping but that’s as far as it went – well for this year anyway. I was there bright and early along with a group of volunteers, helping to set up tables to hand out the tshirts and goodie bags, which all needed to be unloaded (and obviously repacked and reloaded at the end) plus direct people to the registration desk for their numbers.
It all ran like clockwork and even the Local Police stopped by for a chat and there were also plenty of Protección Civil volunteers assisting along the route. An army of MABS volunteers donned pink Hi-Vis vests and were dropped off at various km points, handing out bottles of water, which were much needed as it was an incredibly hot and sunny day. Who would have thought so mid-October! But to get back onto an even keel, MABS are hoping to once again organise the walk for May next year, so keep your eyes peeled for dates.
It’s certainly not a race but some competitors did run, with the first 2 to cross the line very fit young gents. First was James Lawrence Estaban aged 16 and second was his brother, Max Lawrence Esteban aged 11 – both pupils at the Lady Elizabeth school! Third place went to Stephen Reeve (aged 64) he was proud to announce as I was asking the young lads how old they were! For the ladies in first place was Ann Reeve – wife of Stephen so obviously a very fit and competitive couple, second place was Annie van Vossche and third was Melanie Major. Little Kayla McClane aged 7 was the first girl to cross the line and pictured with MABS president Jacquie Phillips.
The walk raised €1,155. Well done to all those involved, whether taking part or helping out.
www.benidormallyearround.com