In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and Royal Patron of the Friends Of Cancer Patients (FOCP), the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) breast cancer awareness campaign by FOCP set off on its ninth edition yesterday in Sharjah.

The seven-day journey has been undertaken by 150+ equines, along with medical and community volunteers, who will be charting 154 kilometres across the seven emirates to heighten community’s awareness about the importance of regular screenings and early detection in successfully tackling the disease.   

The Sharjah Ruler and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi signaled the start of the ride at the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, where the opening ceremony was hosted. 

In his inaugural speech, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah said: “Nine years have passed with people exerting their efforts to spread breast cancer awareness in the UAE. Many people’s lives have been saved due to these efforts. Today, all you brilliant rays of hope have come together, one again, to ensure this march continues to safeguard the health and well-being of our community. 

“Cancer is a dangerous disease and, this year with genetic testing, Pink Caravan Ride is taking another step forward to make cancer treatment more effective. This is a huge milestone for our soldiers of pink hope. May god bless you all as you turn another leaf in your journey in safeguarding the future of our beloved nation.” 

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi took the podium to congratulate the volunteers and participants of PCR 2019, noting: “I am pleased to witness the launch of the ninth Pink Caravan Ride. This initiative was launched by the Sharjah Ruler as a gift to the Emirati nationals and larger UAE community. It is difficult to surmise in a few words the essence of this nine-year journey that is driven by the collective passion to further human well-being and preservation. It is an example of the selfless efforts of thousands of socially driven individuals who aim to build an aware and cancer-free society, and ensure no one is left suffering.