profits that remain in the Ardennes

If the Rethéloises strides are an institution which no longer has to prove its success after 34 editions, two related events have been added in recent years: the pink strides and the pink march.

This Sunday, November 3, 2024, 235 walkers set outfrom 9 a.m., on one of the three routes offered: 5 km, 8 km or 11 km. A figure which beat the 130 participants of the previous edition. “ We pay attention to ensuring that the 5km course is always accessible to strollers, so that everyone of all levels can participate. », Explains Jean-Paul Depierreux, one of the organizers of the pink march.

It is also with this desire to include as many people as possible in the Rethelois event that the pink march was created last year. A goal that seems to have been achieved. Some came from Reims to walk with familysometimes over three generations. Equipped with their walking sticks and all dressed in roses, the walkers are easily recognizable.

Céline, a liberal nurse from Rethel with pink eyebrows for the occasion, came with family and friends. “ We meet up with lots of people we know, it’s nice! » But beyond the friendly aspect, it is above all because she feels concerned by the subject that she is present. “ We are one of the countries where prevention is the most important, everything is free here. This is a huge opportunity and we must maintain this for our children and our grandchildren. »

More than 1,600 euros in donations and essential prevention

Of the 5 euros for registration, 4 are donated to the League Against Cancer. Goodies and a donation box are also on display near the start. Thus, the profits of the day amount to more than 1,600 euros for the association. Joëlle Barat, president of the Ardennes committee of the League Against Cancer, recalls that all donations collected remain in the Ardennes. « They help finance the workshops we offer ».

The association's mission includes prevention, research and support for patients and families. It is this last aspect which requires the most funding. Psychological support, nutrition workshop, adapted physical activity, socio-aesthetics… 14 workshops are offered to patients and their loved ones, all run by professionals who need to be paid. “ We work with 8 different psychologists in the territory and you can pay for up to a year of consultation for people who need it. »A service which represents a significant cost for the association, which also finances the research teams at Reims University Hospital. Fortunately, ” the Ardennes are very generous », rejoices Joëlle Barat.

But, if donations are necessary, “ October is above all breast cancer screening month, underlines the president. “Today, the main thing is the prevention and awareness messages that we have been able to convey. » A message which was also able to be shared with some 70 runners of the pink strideswhose departure was given at 1:50 p.m.

Unfortunately, the subject of breast cancer mainly unites women and only a few men have jumped into the pink wave. Christophe Chemin is one of the few to have placed himself on the starting line for the occasion. “ I've been doing the Rethéloises strides for several years, this year I wanted to accompany my niece in the pink strides. » He noticed the absence of men at the start of the 4.5 kilometers. “ I find it a shame that there are so few of us, I was expecting to see more men. »