Husqvarna Mud Run Raises Childhood Cancer Awareness

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare

The importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment of childhood cancer took centre stage at the 14th annual Husqvarna Mud Run fundraiser in Harare on Saturday, as participants gathered to raise funds for children battling the disease.

Held at the 4×4 Club in Donnybrook, the event brought together thousands of participants and supporters in aid of KidzCan Zimbabwe, an organisation providing clinical care, advocacy and support for children living with cancer.

KidzCan Zimbabwe chairperson Gary Cross said the organisation attends to between 200 and 300 children with cancer annually, but many more could be affected, with some reaching healthcare providers when the disease is already at an advanced stage. “The problem of childhood cancer is huge. We see 200 to 300 patients a year, but there are more children out there who have it. Some are brought to us when the cancer has already advanced,” he said.

“Early detection saves lives. We have drugs to treat it if it is found early. We have all we need; we just need the children to come early.” Cross said improving awareness and encouraging parents and guardians to seek medical attention when they notice worrying symptoms were important steps towards improving outcomes for affected children.

Event founder and organiser Grant Mitchell said the fundraiser, now in its 14th year, continued to attract support from Zimbabweans committed to helping children access cancer treatment. “We fundraise to provide treatment for children with cancer. This is year 14, and we are proud of Zimbabweans for supporting this cause. Almost 3 000 people are here to participate in the Mud Run. Through this event, we have managed to raise awareness of childhood cancer,” he said.

KidzCan Zimbabwe health and awareness coordinator and oncology nurse Charity Kawadza urged parents and guardians to remain alert to symptoms that could indicate childhood cancer.

She identified warning signs including unexplained lumps or swelling, unusual paleness, persistent fatigue, changes in vision or the eyes, unexplained weight loss, recurring fevers and persistent pain. “Many childhood cancers are curable if detected early, but lack of awareness and late diagnosis remain major challenges,” Kawadza said.

While these symptoms can also be caused by illnesses other than cancer, persistent, unexplained or worsening changes in a child's health should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. The annual fundraiser provides financial support for KidzCan Zimbabwe’s work with children affected by cancer, helping sustain its clinical care and support activities.

The event also highlights the role community initiatives can play in bringing childhood cancer into public conversation and encouraging families to seek medical attention when concerns arise. For organisers and KidzCan Zimbabwe, the message was clear: greater awareness, timely medical assessment and access to treatment are essential in improving the outlook for children diagnosed with cancer.

childhood cancer awareness Zimbabwe