As the countdown to the Two Oceans Marathon begins, PinkDrive and Vuma are gearing up to make a big impact on the race. The runners, who will be decked out in pink running vests and arms sleeves will help PinkDrive, a non-profit organisation that raises awareness for breast cancer and provides breast cancer screenings to medically uninsured and unemployed people in urban and rural areas across South Africa.
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the country, affecting 1 in 27 South African women and thousands of men. Having performed more than 429 000 clinical breast exams, 24 441 mammograms and over 3 000 male breast examinations, PinkDrive is at the forefront of the fight against this disease.
Nelius du Preez, National Marketing Coordinator for PinkDrive says, “The Two Oceans Marathon is one of the most iconic running events in South Africa, with runners from around the world descending on Cape Town to take part. By putting their bodies on the line to support PinkDrive, runners are showing solidarity with those who suffer from breast cancer.”
He adds, “Vuma’s partnership with us makes a material difference in the lives of the men and women across the country who do not have access to tools that could save their lives.”
Supporting PinkDrive Ambassador.
Lindsay De Kock, a runner, swimmer, and cyclist who regularly flies the pink flag, is acutely aware of how important the work PinkDrive is doing is.
“I have had breast issues myself and feel very privileged that I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to try to get treatment without the necessary resources. This is why I have dedicated this portion of my life to helping women across the country get access to this lifesaving care,” she says.
De Kock’s first encounter with PinkDrive was back in 2012 when she came across the work that they were doing. From there it was love at first sight.
“My first event for PinkDrive was swimming the Midmar mile for them in 2013. Being able to help inspired me to do more and since then I have done multiple runs, swims and cycling events for them. Seeing how well utilised the money they raise is, inspires me to keep going even if I am getting a little slow.”
Since 2009, PinkDrive has devoted its time and energy to finding ways to give people in rural and under-served areas access to potentially life-saving breast cancer screenings. Relationships like the one developed with Vuma, have given PinkDrive the ability to operate an innovative fleet of mobile clinics that helps thousands of South Africans across the country.
Many Hands Make Light Work
The partnership between PinkDrive and Vuma is a powerful example of how companies can use their resources and influence to make a difference in the world. By sponsoring PinkDrive athletes at the Two Oceans Marathon, Vuma is helping to raise awareness for breast cancer and support PinkDrive’s mission to provide mammograms to those who cannot afford them.
The Two Oceans Marathon is not only a challenging and rewarding race, but also an opportunity to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. The race will take place on 15 and 16 April. Anyone who wants to sign up as a runner for PinkDrive at the Two Oceans Marathon, visit: https://pinkdrive.org/totalsports-two-oceans-marathon-2023/