Friends Danita Kapp and Barbara Burgess.
Camera IconFriends Danita Kapp and Barbara Burgess. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Friends to step out for Joondalup Wanneroo Relay for Life

Bill MarwickJoondalup Times

SOUTH African-born nurses Danita Kapp and Barbara Burgess have remained close friends since they met at a Cape Town nursing college in 1986.

Since then, the two women have a shared history of leaving South Africa, living in New Zealand and settling with their families in Perth. They also have a shared history of fighting cancer; Danita was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and Barbara in 2014.

Now they want to help others fighting the disease, so with another close friend they formed a 14-member team to take part in the WA Cancer Council’s Relay for Life at Arena Joondalup over the October 22-23 weekend.

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“We call our team Forget me Nots,” Danita said. “Our families are very supportive and we have a strong supporter base.

“Our husbands and kids are good friends and happy to help where they can.

“The Relay for Life is a wonderful experience with great camaraderie. This will be my third. The first year I didn’t have the courage to take part in the Survivor’s Walk and Afternoon Tea. The second year I took part and it was a lovely experience.”

Barbara said the team was busy fundraising and using Facebook to reach out to others. “We had a successful car- boot sale, and it’s so good to help the Cancer Council, who gave such wonderful support to me,” she said.

Meanwhile, organisers are looking for more teams to take part in the October relay. Email relayforlifejoondalupwanneroo@gmail.com .

RELAY FOR LIFE Arena Joondalup, October 22-23 More teams needed; call 0417 922 726