A sea of pink tutus and tights flooded Bargara as community members turned out on Sunday to Walk for Women’s Cancer.
Hundreds attended the morning stroll, walking towards a cure for women’s cancers and giving hope to women affected by cancer.
A pair of pretty-in-pink flamingos Carolyn Jacobsen and Robyn Silcox were both walking for a loved one who had lost their battle fighting cancer.
Carolyn said these types of events were especially important to her after her mum Bev Fricke passed away a decade ago from breast cancer while Robyn was walking to remember local netballer Di Barrett who died recently.
“Di was heavily involved in netball and coached my daughter, so I am walking for her this year,” she said.
“The flamingo costumes come out once a year and we make a little bit of fun out of it.”
Loving support in the Walk for Women’s Cancer
Burnett Heads residents David and Jacqui Kolega said it was a fantastic cause and one that was close to their hearts.
“My husband is walking for me,” Jacqui said.
“I have breast cancer and I was diagnosed in March.”
David didn’t shy away from a pink tutu and a brilliant pink flamingo shirt as every step he took he knew he’d be supporting the women by his side.
Jacqui said it was the first time they had walked for breast cancer and it was nice to see many people had turned out.
Bundaberg Regional Council divisional representative Cr Greg Barnes said he and wife Isobel were walking to support friends who were fighting cancer. Cr Barnes said the walk connected the community.
“Individuals in our community actually care about the community and that’s typical of the whole region; everyone is pretty caring,” Cr Barnes said.
“A friend of ours is up at North Queensland with her friend who has cancer and so today we are walking for them.”
Support for all women’s cancers
Cancer Council senior fundraising coordinator Jillian Huth the walk had focused on all women’s cancers, from breast to gynaecological cancers.
“Basically, one in every six women will be diagnosed with some sort of women’s cancer in their lifetime so it’s really important that we do as much as possible to support those people through their cancer experience,” Jillian said.
“It’s the second official walk for women’s cancer that we have held and it’s a great spot here along the Esplanade at Bargara; we are pretty blessed to have such a great location to have it.
“Everyone from the volunteers to the participants are super pumped, dressed up and ready to walk – it’s awesome to see so much pink.
“Everyone is involved too, sometimes men are a little embarrassed when it comes to the colour pink but it’s really nice to see the colour out there!”
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