Dressed in pink, runners and walkers took to Greenside’s jacaranda-lined streets on Sunday for the fifth annual Boobs & Blossoms Run/Walk, turning a morning of exercise into a show of solidarity with those affected by cancer.

Hosted by Pirates Road Running Club in partnership with the Machi Filotimo Cancer Project, the fundraiser offered 6km and 13km routes, with a R50 contribution helping sustain the organisation’s cancer awareness and support initiatives.

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Pirates Road Running Club chairperson Ryan Mills said the event reflected the club’s commitment to giving back to the community.

“We like to think that we have more to contribute than just running – it can also be about community, compassion and giving back,” he said.

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 in 2018.

Launched in August 2019, the project promotes cancer awareness, encourages early detection and connects patients and their families with appropriate support.

Boobs & Blossoms began in 2022 in memory of Nikki Pennel, one of the project’s cancer champions, who died from breast cancer in June 2021. Pennel was engaged to brand ambassador Martin Scheepers, whose experience supporting her through treatment continues to shape his advocacy.

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Michalopoulos said the fundraiser celebrates survivors, supports those undergoing treatment and remembers loved ones who have died. Although the event focuses on breast cancer, the organisation assists people affected by different types of cancer.

“Having experienced the distress and uncertainty that cancer brings to an entire family, I wanted to help others feel less alone and better informed,” she said.

Scheepers said his experience with Pennel taught him the importance of speaking openly about cancer and encouraging early detection.

“Early detection saves lives!” he said, urging people not to assume that breast cancer happens only to someone else.

He also stressed that patients should not feel pressured to remain strong every day, recalling the emotional and physical toll Pennel experienced during treatment.

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

Also read: Greenside turns pink for annual Boobs & Blossoms Run/Walk

Scheepers confirmed that his participation in events, including preparation, flights, accommodation and route support, is entirely self-funded. He receives no financial benefit from Boobs & Blossoms or other Filotimo events.

“You do not have to be brave every moment, and asking for help is not a failure,” said Michalopoulos, reminding families and caregivers that their well-being matters too.

Beyond the kilometres covered and pink ribbons worn, the event highlighted the importance of early detection, community support and making sure cancer patients and their families do not have to face the journey alone.

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