Thousands walk through the night in the name of Cansa
Thousands of people participated in the third annual Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) Relay for Life, held at Hoërskool Hans Moore, on March 21 and 22.
Approximately R702 000 was raised, that will go towards the association’s fight against cancer.
Teams, made up of 10 to 15 members, worked together to keep at least one team member walking the track from 6pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday, symbolising cancer that never sleeps.
Prior to the event, Sharon Britz, Relay for Life convener, said their mission is to create awareness in schools and the community.
“This is the best relay ever — we have a chance to celebrate with those who have beaten the beast,” she said.
Candles in paper bags were arranged around the track in remembrance of those lost to the disease.
The motorcycle club, Midnight Sting, kicked off the survivor lap and were led by the Benoni High School Pipe Band.
The Summerfields Primary School Choir, along with Hans Moore pupil Sibongile Mathe, sang the National Anthem.
Event chairman Jeff Youngman said there was a very good turnout this year, with 160 cancer survivors and 150 registered teams participating in the event.
Entertainment was provided by various local artists, including Izelle and Lize-Mari Ellis, Revelation, Nicolene Potgieter, Freddie Spires, Neil Rautenbach, Albert Burger and Lucinda, and various singers from Hoërskool Hans Moore.
At midnight, balloons were released.
Youngman added that this is the biggest relay held in Gauteng.
Next year’s Cansa Relay for Life will be held at the Barnard Stadium, in Kempton Park.
Chairman and co-chairwoman, Jeff and Michelle Youngman, would like to thank the following:
- Benoni CPF, who went more than the extra mile, having their members at the event the entire night to help with traffic, parking, patrolled throughout the event, guarded the cash office and escorted our committee to the bank the next morning.
- SA Homeloans who sponsored the dinner for the cancer survivors.
- Frutal for sponsoring all of the fruit juice and mineral water for our cancer survivors.
- S.A.M.E Water for sponsoring all the water.
- Hans Moore High School for providing their premises to use for the event
- Jeff Youngman (Event Chair)
- Michelle Youngman (Co-chair)
- Sharon Britz (Cansa Staff partner)
- Tyler Glaus
- Kathy Glaus
- Bennie Vercueil
- Penny Wittstock
- Kim Youngman
- Anita Jorge
- Gerda Van As
- Daphne Dannhauser
- Arthur Hoole
- Shannon Vally
- Donavon Viljoen
- Charmaine Donaldson
