Walking the distance for CANSA

A vibrant energy surged through Ferrum High School’s grounds, as Newcastillians rallied together in support of the CANSA Relay For Life (RFl).

The RFL is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness for cancer, as well as raising much needed funds for medical research to combat the disease.

Estella Naicker, CANSA’s community mobiliser, said the RLF was truly well supported.

“We had approximately between 30 and 40 teams enter the event. Initially, we had a problem with the weather with the wind and rain, but it did not affect the people’s spirits,” she said.

Regardless of the gust of wind, teams walked the entire evening on the RFL track, showing their support for the worthy initiative.

Screening tests were also done on the night.

“We had prostrate and breast cancer screenings, as well as checking people’s blood pressure,” said Ms Naicker.

Certificates were handed to participants, and the Best Team Banner, Best Team Spirit and the Overall Best Team were awarded.

The Best Team Banner award went to Cape Cobras, a team hailing from Cape Town. Ms Naicker said the team’s banner had a personel touch that caught people’s attention.

The Islamic College’s team, Airwaves, was awarded Best Team Spirit. “They had their gazebo blown away and no matter what, they did not allow their spirits to waiver, in fact, the next morning, they still looked just as excited,” Ms Naicker said.

North City’s team took the Overall Best Team award, for team spirit, set-up and outfits.

Looking to the future, Ms Naicker said CANSA hoped to encourage more people to attend the annual RFL.