Running beneath a canopy of purple jacarandas, participants dressed in pink took to the streets on Sunday, October 25, for the fifth annual Boobs & Blossoms Run/Walk, turning a morning of exercise into a show of support for cancer awareness.

Hosted by Pirates Road Running Club in partnership with the Machi Filotimo Cancer Project, the event offered 6km and 13km routes, bringing the community together to honour cancer warriors, remember loved ones and raise awareness about breast cancer.

Read more: Daredevil Run draws purple crowd to Zoo Lake for cancer awareness

Beyond the running shoes and pink shirts, the morning carried an important message: no one facing cancer should have to navigate the journey alone.

Personal loss inspires project

For Evy Michalopoulos, founder and director of the Machi Filotimo Cancer Project, the cause is deeply personal; she established the organisation in memory of her mother, Andromachi, affectionately known as ‘Machi’, who died from stage four ovarian cancer on World Cancer Day, February 4, 2018.

Launched in August 2019, the project raises cancer awareness, encourages early detection, and connects patients and their families with relevant support services, including psychological support, nutritional guidance, palliative care, and other specialist assistance.

“Having experienced the distress and uncertainty that cancer brings to an entire family, I wanted to help others feel less alone and better informed,” Michalopoulos said.
The organisation’s name draws on the Greek concept of filotimo, which reflects compassion, generosity and a responsibility towards others.

Reality beyond the finish line

For brand ambassador Martin Scheepers, the event also highlights the realities cancer patients face long after the fundraising crowds have gone home.

Scheepers, who supported his loved one, Nikki, through cancer treatment, said his participation in events is entirely self-funded. He covers his own preparation, flights, accommodation and route support, and receives no financial benefit from Boobs & Blossoms or any other Filotimo event.

His experience has taught him that the cancer journey is not always one of strength and determination. There were difficult days when Nikki felt she could no longer continue treatment, and moments when they both broke down under the emotional and physical strain.

Also read: Wanderers’ running doctor chases under 9-hour up run at this year’s Comrades

Scheepers said it was important to recognise that patients should not feel pressured to remain positive every day.

“Sometimes a Warrior needs to ‘give up’ on a particular day or days, which is fine! No one sprints a marathon,” he said.

He also highlighted the difference between choosing to abandon a personal challenge and the potentially life-threatening consequences of stopping cancer treatment.

His message was a reminder that patients deserve compassion, whether they feel ready to keep fighting or simply need a day when they do not have to be strong.

With the fifth annual Boobs & Blossoms Run/Walk wrapped up, the event once again highlighted the power of community in supporting those affected by cancer.

Beyond the kilometres covered and funds raised, the morning served as a reminder that awareness, compassion and meaningful support matter long after the finish line, especially for cancer warriors and their families navigating the challenges of treatment.

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!