12 Dec
Firmly established as a key fund raising and social event the Walk For Life excelled itself with over 2,000 people proudly displaying their colours to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. The new route encouraged more people to join in and they flocked to CC Gala just inside the Arona border for the early morning start, the large open plaza and pedestrianised street allowed friends old and new to adjust their pink outfits prior to the start.
This celebration of life and hope always appeals across the board attracting men, women, locals, ex pat settlers, and a good sprinkling of holiday makers. Arona and Adeje police combined to ensure a clear route along Avenida Rafael Puig, up into San Eugenio and then down into Fañabe. This longer more populated part of the Tenerife tourist zone responded with enthusiasm to the pink parade and the samba drums of Sueños del Sur led the way with a constant beat.
Walk For Life is very much about encouraging early diagnosis and highlighting the increasing rate of successful treatment, most of the walkers had first hand or family experience of breast cancer and wore the names of departed friends with pride. The elongated conga of walkers was a clear indication of the increased number of people happy to give up their Sunday morning to show their allegiance.
Two charities will benefit directly from the money raised, 15,000 euros at first count, AECC and Amate both play a very active part in Tenerife as well as helping the wider fight against cancer. The finale of the walk was at Playa Fañabe, another busy focal point that attracted lots more interest. After the walkers had taken a well earned rest a group of 27 swimmers from Tenerife Masters swimming club arrived through the waves from their Puerto Colon start point. All those involved should be proud of their efforts, it was not just a great fund raising success but also a bright and popular event that just keeps on growing.