Laurelle Williams – CANSA Active and Absa RUN YOUR CITY Champion

We are excited to introduce Laurelle Williams (41), a dedicated CANSA Active champion from the south of Johannesburg, who will be taking on the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Joburg 10k on 24 September 2024. Her participation in this event is not just about crossing the finish line, but about making a meaningful impact and supporting those affected by cancer. Laurelle shares her story:

“My journey with exercise started as way to manage grief and stress which all built-up after losing my father in 2019 and then the strange way of COVID living. I attended a ladies fitness class, then I joined a gym and within a few months it easily became a lifestyle and there was such a big difference in my mental health. I felt good and strong and was able to handle life’s stressors and work pressures so much better. There was a new-found confidence in me.

Last year August, I entered a 5km race and was impressed with my fitness just from attending gym classes. The running bug hit hard and a year later, I belong to Team Vitality Meyersdal Running Club and have run one race every month since the beginning of the year. I’m currently preparing for my first 21km.

Being the editor of Buddies For Life and Oncology Buddies, an educational magazine for cancer survivors and their loved ones, I’m well aware of the benefits of exercise or any form of movement and how it can decrease your risk of developing cancer and other chronic diseases.

So, when I was asked to run the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10k for CANSA Active, I was beyond thrilled, honoured, and honestly it’s a privilege. I have been part of the cancer community (for the past eight years) so it’s with joy and excitement to fundraise and run this race for my community.”

Donate online and support the Absa RUN YOUR CITY series.