Two widows complete walkathon to raise awareness on cancer

Two women who lost their husbands to cancer put on their trainers and walked 21.5 kilometres in memory of their loved ones to raise funds for the Malta Hospice Movement yesterday.

Evidently satisfied on finishing the walkathon, Nicky Schembri, 44, and Simone Brincat, 57, encouraged everyone to do something for others in need.

About 1,400 people participated in the 25th edition of the 2010 Land Rover Malta Marathon, which started in Mdina and finished at the Sliema ferries, a distance of almost 42 kilometres.

This year, a walkathon was organised for the first time to encourage more people to take part. The two widows were joined by their friend and work colleague Christine Attard, 53.

Apart from the health aspect of walking, Mrs Schembri and Mrs Brincat also wanted to raise awareness about the disease that took away their husbands and, at the same time, collect funds for Hospice.

"I was inspired to take part because it was for the Malta Hospice Movement. I think it was my turn to do something for somebody else," Mrs Schembri said.

Her husband, Mario, an athlete and football player, lost his battle with cancer two years ago. "My husband was a tri-athlete and half-marathon runner. For me this is in his memory and for all the good work the Hospice did. It was my turn to do it."

Although she did not lose anyone to cancer, Mrs Attard also felt the need to send a message about the need to help the Hospice Movement.

"We walked and jogged for Hospice because there are so many people who are in need. We all have someone in our family who has lost someone to the dreaded disease of cancer," she said.

Mrs Attard was always into exercising and, in fact, was one of the founding members of the Ladies Running Club. However, taking part in the marathon was not something she took for granted.

"Less than six months ago, I had a slipped disc. I underwent surgery and I thought I would never power-walk or jog again. Here I am. I did it and I'm very happy," she said.

It was Mrs Schembri's first attempt at taking part in a similar event and she started training two months ago by going for long walks three times a week.

"The walkathon was a great opportunity for people who aren't incredibly fit. I have definitely been bitten by the running bug and will do it again next year," she said.