Badr Al Jaaidi, Programme Manager Community Affairs, FOCP.

Friends Of Cancer Patients (FOCP), the UAE-based non-profit organisation dedicated to raising cancer awareness and funds for those who cannot afford treatment, has called upon individuals and companies in the UAE to participate in the Relay for Life Summer Challenge, which runs from August 4 – 31.

Aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and community engagement while raising funds for FOCP’s cause, the challenge involves participants to attempt to target 8,000 steps every day to contribute to achieving the overall goal of 10 million steps by the end of the event.

To participate in the challenge, you can join the challenge as an individual or corporate as a team by entering the company’s name. Step 1: Download the Relay by FOCP smart application available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store Step 2: Register and Join the Relay For Life Community Step 3: Join the Summer challenge. Once activated, the app will track the steps of the app user.

Fifteen people who achieve the maximum number of steps will each stand a chance to win two pairs of Skechers shoes.

Speaking about the challenge, Badr Al Jaaidi, Programme Manager Community Affairs, FOCP, said: “Through this effort FOCP aims to not only raise funds for a good cause but also encourage people to embrace a healthy lifestyle, which can help prevent different cancers. We call on all UAE residents as well as corporates to partake in this challenge which will not only benefit their health but also ensure their contribution to a great social cause.”

Founded in 1999, FOCP was established to help alleviate the financial and emotional burden that cancer often imposes on patients and their families, and to promote awareness about the six early detectable forms of the disease; breast, cervical, prostate, skin, testicular and colorectal cancers. Apart from its awareness role, FOCP is committed to providing moral and financial support to thousands of patients and their families of all ages and nationalities across the UAE. Funds raised by FOCP cover some of the most expensive aspects of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgical procedures, while also extending to urgent expenses incurred by patients during the early stages of treatment and care.