GEORGE NEWS - The Cansa Southern Cape Karoo region is privileged to be home to three very special ladies who received prestigious global awards at the Cansa Relay For Life summit that was hosted at Olifants River Lodge near Middleburg over the weekend.

Minette van Zyl, the divisional manager, said Merle Singh, the chairperson of the Garden Route Relay for Life, received the "Global Spirit of Relay volunteer award", recognising her as the best Relay For Life volunteer in the world. The George relay hosted in the 2017/2018 book year was the second best relay globally, which earned them the second prize for "Global Spirit of Relay - Best Relay' award. Lorraine Verhagen received the award on behalf of the George relay.

Another South African who received an award was Sadiyah Moerat, who was named the "Global Hero of Hope". "Sadiyah, a young mother of two who survived cancer and who was willing to share her amazing testimony, was chosen as one of the Global Heroes who inspires survivors to keep on fighting against cancer," said Van Zyl.

The Southern Cape Karoo region also earned a first prize for "Best Fight Back and Mission Delivery" by Hessequa (Riversdal) and the third most income, raised by the George relay.

Merle Singh (right), the chairperson of the Garden Route Relay for Life, receives the Global Spirit of Relay volunteer award. The certificate is handed to her by an ambassador from America.

Lorraine Verhagen, chairperson of Relay For Life George, thanked the George Herald, the committee members, the George community and local businesses in George for supporting this event. "Cansa wants to congratulate and salute all the individuals and committees involved. Thank you so much for taking hands with Cansa in the fight against cancer."

Sadiyah Moerat received the Global Hero of Hope award.

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