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Pounding the tarmac for childhood cancer awareness

More than 150 participants joined the 'Big Walk for Young Warriors' in Newcastle to support the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa.

February 20, 2026

Anika Sanders 1 minute read

Members from the Newcastle squash club posing for a photo after their sucessful completion of the 4 kilometer walk for cancer awareness. They are all wearing different coloured sporting outfits and holding their medals. The are standing in front of a facebrick building. — Members of the Newcastle Squash Club after completing the walk for cancer awareness. (Photo: Newcastle Advertiser / Anika Sanders)

Valentine’s Day acquired a new meaning, with residents lacing up their running shoes as the Newcastle Lions Club and Newcastle Harriers teamed up to host an event in support of childhood cancer on the 14th.

Two ladies embracing the Valentine's Day spirit with their pink t-shirts. They are holding medals after completing the Lions Club 4 kilometer walk for cancer. The older lady has a hat on her head and the sun is shining. — Anél Howell and Deané van Rooyen. (Photo: Newcastle Advertiser / Anika Sanders)

The Docrat Family is embracing the Valentine's Day spirit by wearing pink and read. The are posing for a photo after completing the 4 kilometer walk for cancer. Mother, father and one daughter is wearing caps on their heads. The father has a pair of sunglasses on his nose. They are sitting in front of a facebrick wall. — The Docrat family. (Photo: Newcastle Advertiser / Anika Sanders)

The cause

Themed ‘Big Walk for Little Warriors,’ the event was held in aid of CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa). More than 150 participants came to walk, jog or run four kilometres; all united by one common cause – raising awareness for children who suffer from cancer and showing support to their families.

Two families with white t-shirts on. The printing at the back is saying "Brain cancer fighter." The little boy without the printing on his shirt is the one who survived the brain cancer. They are all turned with their backs to the camera as the finished the walk together. — The Joubert and Manthe families showing support for a brain cancer survivor in their family. (Photo: Newcastle Advertiser / Anika Sanders)

A well known Golden Retriever dog, who always attend sporting events, also received a medal for his support. He is laying on the ground with his tongue sticking out the side of his mouth. He is wearing a blue harness. — Cody, the dog, also showed his support. (Photo: Newcastle Advertiser / Anika Sanders)

Top 5

Congratulations to the top 5 finishers:

Lunga Nkonyeni
Sphesihle Dlamini
Anton Smit
Keagen Jordaan
Jacques Jordaan

Three athletes smiling at the camera as they finished in the top 3 for the Lions Club Big Walk for Little Warriors.They have medals around their necks. It is a sunny day. The athletes are wearing athletic wear. There is a gazebo in the background. — Top 3: Anton, Lunga and Sphesihle. (Photo: Newcastle Advertiser / Anika Sanders)

Father and son posing for a photo with medals in their mouths. They finished fourth and fifth in the Lions Club Big Walk for Little warriors cancer awareness walk. There is a gazebo in the background. It is a sunny day. They have yellow ribbons pinned to their shirts. — Jacques and Keagan Jordaan. (Photo: Newcastle Advertiser / Anika Sanders)

Gratitude

The Newcastle Lions Club expressed their heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out in support of CHOC.

“Your support helped bring hope, comfort and care to brave little warriors and their families. Every step taken truly made a difference.”

Members from the Newcastle Lions Club with their hands in the air after a successful event. The are all wearing blue t-shirts with multi-coloured writing on it. — Members of the Newcastle Lions Club. (Photo: Newcastle Advertiser / Anika Sanders)

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