The riders make their way from University Hospital, Sharjah.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The 11th Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) returned to its base headquarters in Sharjah on Monday, offering complimentary screenings and raising community awareness on breast cancer and the importance of regular screening.

The nationwide campaign delivered 10,492 free checkups across the UAE since January 20, made possible through the unwavering support of volunteers and institutional partners who generously devoted their efforts and resources to support the campaign's overarching goal – the community's wellbeing.

Since its inception, the success of the volunteer-based campaign organised by the Friends Of Cancer Patients (FOCP) has garnered increasing support from both the private and public sectors who believe in the PCR's noble mission focused on ensuring communities' sustainability through advocating a healthy lifestyle and raised awareness on the importance of early detection to tackle the disease at early stages to ensure a full recovery. On Day 3 of the pan-UAE trek, the pink brigade was welcomed again in Sharjah with raised flags and cheers by citizens and residents throughout the day.

The equestrians started the day's awareness activities by acknowledging the unwavering support of its partners, with horseriders saddling up at BEEAH Group's state-of-the-art headquarters and making their way towards Sharjah Media City (SHAMS). The pink brigade also trekked from Sharjah Broadcasting Authority towards Al Jada and made their way to Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, concluding the day of campaigning at the University Hospital.

The Pink Caravan Mammogram Unit offered mammograms and other medical services at the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority headquarters, alongside temporary walk-in clinics set up at the Air Arabia A-One building, Sharjah and Al Qasimiya University, Sharjah. The PCR fixed clinics in the emirate will be accessible until Feb.10 at the Al Majaz Waterfront, Mega Mall, Lulu Hypermarket Al Butina, and Lulu Central Sharjah.

Umm Al Quwain

On Tuesday, the pink brigade is raising awareness in Umm Al Quwain, with riders starting from UAQ Hospital at 9am, and making a stop at Kite Beach at 12:30pm.

The second leg of the day's activities will take place in Hamriyah Fisherman's Marina at 3pm, raising awareness at Al Hamriyah Ladies Club, before reaching the final venue for the day, Hamriyah Beach. Pink Caravan Mammogram clinics will be available at the Umm Al Quwain Hospital, while the daily Minivan l will operate at Kite Beach from 12-6pm and at Al Hamriyah Ladies Club from 4-10pm.

The PCR fixed clinic will offer its services at the Lulu Hypermarket in UAQ Mall from 4-10pm until Feb.10.

Day 5: Fujairah

The day’s activities will take place on the country’s eastern coast, with riders starting at Kalba Waterfront at 8am reaching East Coast Fishing Charter Kalba Corniche at 9.20am. The march from the second starting point at Kalba Corniche will begin at 10am ending in Fujairah International Marine Club at 12:15pm.

The final route for the day will begin from Old Souq Khorfakkan at 3:15pm, with an estimated arrival at 5pm in Khorfakkan Amphitheatre. The Pink Caravan Mammogram clinics in Fujairah will operate at Fujairah Corniche on day 5 (8th Feb) from 12-6pm. Daily minivan stops will be available at Kalba Waterfront from 9am-3pm and Oceanic Khorfakkan from 4-10pm.

For more information about The Pink Caravan Ride locations and route, please follow PCR on their social media platforms @thepinkcaravan. Reem BinKaram, Chairperson of the Pink Caravan Ride Higher Steering Committee, noted that the 11th edition’s start date coincides with World Cancer Day, which highlights the importance of concerted societal and global efforts to fight the disease as well as raising awareness of ways to combat cancer, including early detection, regular self-examination and leading a healthy lifestyle in general.

The Chairperson stated: “The annual ride draws strength and support from the Emirati society. Every equestrian, individual, institution, and location that participates in the Pink Caravan Ride raises our motivation levels and empowers us to continue our monumental task of raising community awareness and enhancing the quality of life for all.” She added: “We are part of a community known for its virtues and giving, this is part of our identity and asserts our conviction that the annual ride through the seven emirates will once again yield amazing results, strengthening the UAE and its communities.”