Staff and students at CedarBridge Academy put on their walking shoes to join the fight against breast cancer and raise funds in support of the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s Radiation Therapy Initiative.

The school staged its inaugural Annual CBA Wildcats Breast Cancer Two Mile Walkathon yesterday, part of a host of events it is holding throughout October. The walkers used CedarBridge grounds covering approximately two miles. Footage of the walk was streamed live on the school’s Facebook page while the event was commentated on by CedarBridge S1 student Ezequiel Jimenez, who is also performing in The Wizard of Oz at The Earl Cameron Theatre.

Staff member LaVerne Eve was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer in 2014. The cancer had gone undetected until it manifested as a lump. Had Ms Eve not undergone her regular screenings, it would have never been discovered in time. After chemotherapy and radiation she was cleared of breast cancer. Her daughter, Theresa Francis, says that getting tested is the best choice you can make for your life.

Ms Francis said: “For CedarBridge, this is a charity that hits close to home and gives us the platform we need to fight for those we love.” The school also honours Janet LePage, Personal Care Teacher, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2016.

Year head for S4 Rhonda Edwards-Adams said the walk, which was a collaborative effort between S4 students and the school’s Breast Cancer Awareness Committee co-ordinator Tracey Trott, was well received by the students and staff members.

“It was a very good initiative and they thoroughly enjoyed it,” Ms Edwards-Adams said. “Everyone participated — the entire CB family. We were looking at about 600 plus persons moving around the building today — students, teachers, office staff, directors, support staff, security — everyone. We are looking forward to this becoming an annual thing.”

The school is still tallying up the final figure on funds raised.