Carol-Ann Kelleher: A voice for the Discovery Algoa FM Big Walk 2012

This all forms part of the "My Story" theme for this year's Discovery Algoa FM Big Walk taking place on Saturday, October 27, 2012 from the NMMU Cricket Facilities, at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality's Second 2nd Avenue Campus in Summerstrand, behind The Boardwalk.

"The focus will be on the children, parents, brothers, sisters and friends of cancer sufferers who have first-hand watched the tragic effects of cancer on their loved ones," says Toinette Koumpan, Marketing Manager at Algoa FM.

Carol-Ann started the 2012 Big Walk outreach with a visit to the children's oncology unit at the Dora Nginza Hospital. CHOC (The Children's Haematology Oncology Clinics) is the beneficiary to this year's walk.

"It was heart wrenching to witness these little ones battling with a disease when even many adults can't cope with the painful effects. But, what inspired me most about these little ones is that they never stopped smiling regardless of the challenges they face," says Kelleher.

"We are very grateful to Discovery and Algoa FM for selecting us as the beneficiary. The proceeds from the walk will be used to set-up the wards at the Dora Ngiza hospital with necessary medical supplies and medical equipment and to help us open a CHOC House/Lodge in Port Elizabeth for the parents that have to accompany their children while they are having treatment.", says Charmaine Vosloo, Branch Manager for CHOC in Port Elizabeth.

The proceeds from the walk will fund equipment such as bed linen, blankets, educational toys, entertainment facilities, a washing machine, and a tumble dryer among many other smaller necessities. It will also include purchasing of certain medical equipment required for the ward.

"We are delighted with the beneficiary for this year's walk, especially because the funds will directly benefit children affected by the disease. We are also proud to be partnering with Discovery on a walk that is clearly close to the hearts of many Port Elizabeth residents," says Dave Tiltmann, Managing Director of Algoa FM.

"This event is a manifestation of Discovery's core ethos of encouraging individuals to engage in physical activity as well as being aware of their health risks to take the necessary measures to address this. Cancer affects us all, however it can be overcome by education and awareness among individuals on platforms such as the Discovery Algoa FM Big Walk," adds Jody Foster, Head of Sponsorships at Discovery.

Walkers can expect to make a day of the event with live entertainment by Lloyd Cele and Patrick Lindoor including many healthy and fun activities.

Entry fee for the 8km is R35 and R30 for the 4km with an entry fee of R10 for all children under the age of 10 and free entrance for children in prams. Medals will be awarded to the first 7 500 walkers to complete the event, goodie bags and water bottles to the first 7 000, and t-shirts to the first 6 000 participants including free wellness screenings and lucky draw prizes.

Children under 10 who would like to receive a goodie bag, water bottle, t-shirt and medal will need to pay the full adult rate for the various walks. Entry forms available from Sportsman's Warehouse, Brian Bands, Action Sports, Sports World, the Footballer, Brookets Sports, all three Virgin Active gyms in Port Elizabeth as well as the Algoa FM office in Summerstrand or simply register online on www.algoafm.co.za.

For more detail, readers can also like the Discovery Algoa FM Big Walk facebook page and follow activities surrounding the event or contact Jennilee from Algoa FM on (041) 505 9423.