Riding for a reason

Benevolent bikers are taking to the road this weekend to raise awareness about breast cancer in support of Think Pink Bahrain.

Riders from all the motorcycle clubs of Bahrain are expected to come together on Friday and ride together in solidarity with the charity’s campaigning messages and efforts to save lives.

“We are expecting more than 300 riders to attend this special event,” explained Mehdi Honar, 69, who has participated in a number of charity motorcycle rides, most notable of which is the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride to raise awareness about men’s health.

“My friend, Roy Ribeira, encouraged and helped me in organising the Think Pink Ride. This is also the first collective ride at this scale we have had since the pandemic hit.

“I’m excited to see the motorbike riding community come together and wear pink in support of such an important cause.”

The motorcyclists will be meeting at 7am near the LuLu Hypermarket in Hidd.

Think Pink Bahrain founder Dr Julie Sprakel and vice chairperson Tahera Al Alawi will address supporters, followed by a safety briefing by road captains and marshals.

A couple of breast cancer survivors are also expected to share their stories, before the ride revs off at 8am.

“It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with like-minded people and especially Mehdi and the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride team, who participated during the first-ever Think Pink motorcycle ride back in 2006,” Julie noted.

“It means the world that some of the people with whom I had partnered for events at the very beginning of this movement, come back year-after-year to support us.

“When they approached, I agreed right away to come down and be part of this special event.”

After starting at Hidd, the riders have a route planned which will end near the LuLu Hypermarket in Dana Mall. This will be followed by breakfast.

Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer amongst women in Bahrain, with 244 new cases identified last year, which make up 37.9 per cent of cancer diagnoses in the kingdom, according to data provided by the Bahrain Cancer Society.

 Breast cancer is also the world’s most fatal type of cancer, with a mortality rate of 13.6 per 100,000. In Bahrain, it is the second-most dangerous form of cancer, with 66 deaths last year.

“Raising awareness is just as important as early detection and treatment,” Mehdi added.

Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. It can occur in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women.

Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped created advances in the diagnosis and treatment. Survival rates have increased and the number of deaths associated with this disease is steadily declining, largely due to factors such as earlier detection, a new personalised approach to treatment and a better understanding of the disease.

For more details, follow @thinkpinkbahrain on Instagram.