Sharjah24: The Pink Caravan Ride will embark on its annual ride across the seven emirates in February 2021 as it rallies people across the UAE to take forward its steadfast commitment to raise awareness on the importance of early detection of breast cancer and offer free screenings and clinical examinations to all UAE residents.

Each year, experienced equine riders help garner support across different sectors, and engage the local community, bringing together schools, universities, and corporate entities through educational events and donation drives. 

In 2021, PCR - a pan-UAE campaign organised by Sharjah-based civil society organisation, Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), offers the UAE community novel ways to participate in the annual breast cancer awareness drive. From stables across the nation to both seasoned and inexperienced riders, more people can proactively participate in the campaign this year to step up efforts and support PCR’s goal of making the UAE more breast cancer aware in a bid to tackle the burden of the disease. 

As the Equine Route of the 11th edition of PCR moves into a new format this year, participating stables across the UAE will facilitate the involvement of a larger number of riders than ever before by providing equine services and holding special events to attract male and female riders of all nationalities and all ages to join forces for a worthy cause. Riders can take riding lessons, experience a tranquil equine desert escape, or enjoy an exclusive beach ride depending on the accommodating stable.

Inexperienced riders wishing to contribute to the Pink Caravan Ride can also pursue their equestrian dreams and learn how to ride. The registration fees to be paid for any of these services will go towards supporting breast cancer patients and providing free medical screening. For individuals across the UAE, this allows greater flexibility on the date, time, and location of their participation. 

Commenting on the new format of the Equine Route, Majid Al Suwaidi, Head of the Equine Committee at Pink Caravan Ride, said: “For the first time in its history, the 11th edition of the country-wide Pink Caravan Ride will see the participation of at least one equestrian club from each emirate. This improves the scope for a larger number of individuals to partake in the activities of PCR and volunteer their time and contribute to its fund-raising efforts. By widening the opportunities for participation, PCR is playing a vital role in enabling more members of the UAE community to advocate for breast cancer awareness and make a difference to the wellbeing of their society.” 

He added: “All proceeds received from the clubs will be allocated for expenses related to providing free screening, raising awareness of early detection, and towards treatment costs of detected breast cancer patients.”

To support PCR’s mission to create a more cancer aware society in the UAE, interested equestrian clubs can email [email protected] to join the ride this year. Individual riders can look out for details of participating stables on the website, www.pinkcaravan.ae.