Be Pretty in Pink for breast cancer

It is that time of year again, when the girls are wearing their bras on the outside and pulling on their pink togs to raise funds for breast cancer awareness.

Fundraising Queen, Debbie Weedon, commenced her outstanding work for the ‘Asociacion Española Contra el Cancer’ (AECC) in 2003, after undergoing a lengthy treatment programme to tackle her own breast cancer diagnosis. Her strength and determination, teamed with continued support from husband, Ralph and the AECC, helped her towards a positive recovery, and she has since channeled the same energy into raising funds for the charity.

Through Pantomime’s, Golf Tournaments and a popular ‘Debbie’s Breast Cancer Awareness Walk’, Debbie has helped to spread the word about the importance of cancer screening whilst at the same time raising literally thousands of euros for the course.

The walk alone raised a staggering €32,451 in its best year, with supporters travelling from up and down the coast to take part.

As time has gone on, the Sponsored Walk event has become more elaborate, introducing a variety of other activities and events, such as a Tug-o-War, dance displays and prize draws, all aimed at boosting funds. During 2010, Debbie was pleased to welcome a Zumba Fitness demonstration fronted by professional Instructor, Lisa Gordon, which went down a storm with on-lookers, many of whom were instantly hooked.

Lisa said that “I had recently arrived in Spain and it was my first demo opportunity over here, so I was really grateful that Debbie gave me the chance to show people what it was all about, as well as being part of such a famous event for the area.” Lisa enjoyed it so much that she was keen to take part again this year, alongside of a selection of her dancers, but was disappointed when Debbie revealed that she was finally hanging up her trainers and would not be organizing a walk for 2011.

“It was always very involved and time consuming to pull the event together so I can understand why Debbie has decided to step down now” said Lisa, adding that “I told Debbie it was a shame because it is such a popular event and she said “well why don’t you take it on then!””

After giving it much thought, Lisa decided that it was too late to organize a walk this year, so has instead put her heart and soul into hosting a huge pink festival, “Debbie Weedon’s Pretty In Pink” where instead of doing the hard work, supporters will be entertained for the cause.

Pretty In Pink Pretty will take place within the car park of the George Pub in Ciudad Quesada on Sunday October 16, commencing at around 13:00 with an extremely energetic sponsored Spin-o-thon, conducted by a team from Howard’s Gym.

TKO Radio’s Lee Fox will then be keeping the tunes pumping and introducing a plethora of other activities including an explosive Zumba demo with Lisa, plus Zumbatomic just for the kids; a demo by the “Step” girls from OK Gym; and breathtaking dance routines by Totally Dance, Raquel Peña’s Flamenco Ballet, and the Dance Ranch Line Dancing troop.

A number of the Costa Blanca’s most talented female vocalists have already pledged their support to the event, including Rebecca Holt, Gemma Jones, Lorna Michelle, Maria O’Hara and many more.

Aside from the shows, fundraisers will have the opportunity to purchase a plethora of pink treats, including decorated cup cakes from the bake stall, and enter the grand prize draw when a wealth of amazing prizes are up for grabs.

A BBQ or Hog Roast will be available to keep fundraisers well- fueled, and there is plenty going on for the kids, with face painting, a bouncy castle and children’s entertainers on hand to keep them amused while the adults dig deep! Most importantly, the traditional “Best Bra” contest will be taking place once again, when sporting fundraisers will have the opportunity to get creative and produce the most eye-catching and original pink bra worn on the day.

The contest is just 2 euros to enter, with all monies being donated to the fund, and will be judged by Beauty Queen, Professional Singer and Celebrity, Georgie May, who will be awarding the “Boobie” prize of a 2 -stay in Benidorm to its designer, courtesy of Tracy and Erol Burns Ahmet.

For all of the latest news about the day please check out the “Pretty In Pink” event on Facebook or call Lisa Gordon on 603 329 058.

By Heidi Wardman