By Priscilla Muzerengwa | LECESTER, England
Some walked in memory of loved ones lost to cancer. Others walked in celebration of survivors. Together, United Methodist women across the United Kingdom walked with one purpose, to bring hope to millions affected by cancer while putting their faith into action.
Each year, women from local United Methodist churches participate in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, joining thousands of people across the country who walk or run to raise funds for life-saving cancer research. For the women, however, the event is about much more than crossing a finish line. It is an opportunity to live out their Christian calling through service, compassion, and community.
The sponsored walk is one of several wellness initiatives organised by the United Kingdom District Women’s Organisation through its Sports and Recreation Committee. The programme encourages women to care for their physical, mental and spiritual well-being while strengthening fellowship and serving others.
“Living in the diaspora presents many challenges, from balancing demanding work schedules to raising families away from home,” said Patience Mudambanuki, UK District Women’s work Coordinator. “Our Sports and Recreation Committee creates opportunities for women to prioritise their physical and mental well-being while strengthening fellowship and serving the wider community.”
As women prepare for the annual Race for Life events, each local fellowship registers to walk or run five kilometres while raising sponsorship from family, friends and members of their communities. The funds raised support Cancer Research UK’s work to advance research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
“We take part in Race for Life because cancer has touched the lives of so many people we know and love, both in Zimbabwe and here in the United Kingdom,” Mudambanuki said. “Every step we take is in honour of those we have lost, in support of those still fighting the disease, and in hope that continued research will bring better treatments and save more lives.”
The event reflects the Women’s Organisation’s commitment to caring not only for its own members but also for the wider community. By combining healthy living with charitable giving, the women demonstrate that Christian discipleship extends beyond the walls of the church.
Despite being in her eighties, Winnie Musumi continues to inspire others with her commitment to healthy living and charitable service. For her, the walk is deeply personal.
“Cancer has touched my family,” she said. “My sister died from breast cancer after it was diagnosed too late, and another sister has been treated for melanoma. That’s why I decided to help so researchers can find answers.”
Musumi believes maintaining an active lifestyle is one practical way of caring for the body God has entrusted to us. She regularly goes to the gym, walks on the treadmill and averages about 20,000 steps each day, a routine she says has become part of her commitment to healthy living.
Her determination reflects the vision behind the Women’s Organisation’s wellness programme, which encourages women to embrace physical activity as a way of improving their own health while inspiring others to do the same.
Despite the pain cancer has brought to her family, Musumi chooses to focus on hope.
“We thank God my sister was able to receive treatment, and today she is hopeful,” she said.
Stories like Musumi’s remind participants why every sponsored mile matters. Behind every donation is the hope that future families will experience earlier diagnoses, more effective treatments and, ultimately, lives saved through continued research.
The impact of the initiative continues to grow. Last year alone, United Methodist women across the United Kingdom District raised approximately £10,000 for cancer research, and this year they hope to exceed that total as more women join the campaign.
For Mudambanuki, the success of the initiative is measured not only by the funds raised but also by the spirit of unity it creates.
As women from different local churches walk side by side, they strengthen friendships, encourage one another and bear witness to a faith that is expressed through practical acts of love.
In every kilometre walked, every pound donated and every life remembered, United Methodist women are demonstrating that faith is not confined to Sunday worship. It is lived out in everyday acts of compassion that bring hope to others.
For these women, the journey is about more than reaching the finish line. It is about walking together in faith, standing with those affected by cancer and believing that, one step at a time, they can help make a difference.