Hundreds walk to support TV personality with cancer

Hundreds of people of all ages took part in a massive, heartfelt show of solidarity with TV personality Nirvana Ciavola Azzopardi, who has been diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer.

I’m sure she’s delighted with the huge turnout and all the positive energy coming her way

The walk from Spinola Bay, in St Julian’s, to Qui-Si-Sana, Sliema, was organised by Action for Breast Cancer Foundation member Jenny Oakley and friend Michelle Borg Cuomo to raise awareness of breast cancer.

Ms Azzopardi, whose cancer has spread through her lymph nodes and is now attacking her liver, has filed a judicial protest against her private consultant on grounds that she had been misdiagnosed in the early stages of her illness.

Although Ms Azzopardi, the mother to two boys aged nine and four, was not present for the walk, she wrote in a Facebook post that the people’s support gave her “much strength”.

“Thank you all for the overwhelming support in this difficult time. Words can’t express the gratitude I feel to all those who have helped in some way or other. I feel blessed to have so many people behind me. Your support gives me much strength.”

Following the event, she wrote: “What an incredible feeling, knowing that you were out this morning walking in support of my quest to beat cancer. Your collective energy has lifted me to a new height. You have made a difference in my life and for that I am truly grateful.”

Close friend Francesca Rizzo passed on Ms Azzopardi’s message.

“Nirvana wants this walk to be aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer. It can hit absolutely everyone, so this event also serves as a reminder for women to check themselves regularly,” she said as members of the Action for Breast Cancer Foundation distributed leaflets on the illness to those present.

Ms Rizzo explained that the walk was initially intended to be a small event. “It all started off really small – a ‘friends for friends’ event. We held a walk last Wednesday at Marsaxlokk but others were getting back to us saying they would also love to join us but weren’t able to because they were working or had children to pick up on the day.”

Consequently, this bigger event had friends and acquaintances as well as many others who had never met Ms Azzopardi, flocking to St Julian’s in an expression of support and solidarity.

“She is a very loved person and a good friend to all. I’m sure she’s delighted with the huge turnout and all the positive energy coming her way,” Ms Rizzo added. “The fact that she has two young children also struck a chord with many people. It touched home.”

Ms Azzopardi’s father, Joe, was present for the walk.

“I would like to thank Jenny Oakley, who organised it all,” he said, visibly moved. “

Also, a very big thank you goes to all for the big show of solidarity with my daughter.”

Violet Fenech, 67, had never met Ms Azzopardi but felt the need to contribute. “I used to love watching her on TV. I was so distressed when I heard the news.”