The Journey of Hope recently took part in a Health & Wellness day hosted by the Christ the Saviour Anglican Church (Lenasia) on the 25 September 2011. Click here to read the wonderful feedback we received.

Journey of Hope Survivor and Rider, Kathy Malherbe was a guest speaker at the GVI oncology Survivor's Day at Kirstenbosch on 30 July 2011. There were approximately 400 people that attended the morning event. With Kathy (middle) in the photo above is Jim Harward (left) and Garth Davids (right), Oncologist at GVU.

John Mitchell, Product Manager from Honda Motor Southern Africa was pleased to announce at the recent Journey of Hope breast cancer awareness launch that Honda motorcycles will be the official sponsors of the motorcycles, training and road support for the Journey of Hope 2011.

"We are delighted to endorse the Journey of Hope campaign, and are glad to be a part of this wonderful initiative. We at Honda understand the importance of creating awareness and support the ladies and gentleman who will be taking the message of early detection across South Africa."

Journey Back, Journey Forward, is a project spearheaded by the Robinson family after losing two family members (Mum and Daughter) in one a year, both from breast cancer. The project will see a group of individuals embarking on a remarkable motorcycle journey from Johannesburg, South Africa to Uganda in August 2011. All the funds raised during the journey will be donated to another project called the Journey of Hope Breast Cancer Ride 2011, whose aim it is to raise awareness around the importance of early detection of breast cancer. A target to raise 1 Million Rand has been set.

When 19-year old Peter Robinson set off from Kilembe, Uganda to Johannesburg in 1954, on his BSA 650 Golden Flash motorcycle, he had no idea of the journey that lay ahead of him. A journey that would weave a story of bravery, endurance, love and heartbreak, a journey that would lead him ultimately to embark on another journey, 57 years later at the age of 76, back to Uganda on the back of a motorcycle and forward into a new beginning, a journey that has come to be known as the Journey Back, Journey Forward.

Not long after arriving in Johannesburg, after his gruelling motorcycle ride from Uganda, Peter was introduced to a young lady named Dulcie. Peter and Dulcie got married after a long engagement and started a family together. They had three children, a daughter Cheryl and two sons Wayne and Bryan. Peter built a career for himself in the mining industry while Dulcie took care of their growing family. "Dulcie believed deeply in family and built ours to be incredibly close and strong," say Peter. Dulcie discovered a creative flair which she developed through art classes. She became chairperson of the Watercolour Society of South Africa (WSSA) and in later years became involved in teaching art to street kids in Hillbrow. Whilst the family was stationed in Welkom, Peter started the deepest wine cellar in the world in a mine shaft at the St Helena mine. Together Peter and Dulcie were a formidable team who brought an element of culture and esteem into the mining communities where they lived.

In 2007 the close knit family was devastated to discover that Cheryl had breast cancer. She received treatment and the cancer went into remission only to return again. During this time they received a second blow, Dulcie was diagnosed with breast cancer too. She too underwent treatment but tragically, in 2010, the Robinson family laid to rest both Cheryl and Dulcie, within months of each other.

"We'll never know for certain but I believe that both Cheryl and Dulcie suspected that something was wrong with them but did not act on it immediately. Cheryl was travelling a great deal with her daughter supporting her tennis career and may have put off visiting the doctor and Dulcie, who fell ill after Cheryl, may not have wanted to trouble the family with more worrying news. "We have learnt now that early detection of cancer is key to saving a person's life," says Peter At the end of that year, while Peter and his son Wayne sat discussing the old days, they came upon the idea to travel back to Uganda retracing Peter's solo trip, again on motorcycles. But this time it would not be just Peter but his two sons Wayne and Bryan as well as Wayne's sons Jared and Bryce that would undertake the journey; three generations of Robinsons travelling together, along with a select group of family friends. "We decided that we would do this ride in honour of Dulcie and Cheryl," says Peter, "and that we would use the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer. We named our ride the Journey Back, Journey Forward; back to where I came from and forward to a new beginning," he explains.

On doing some further research they found out about the non-profit organisation The Journey of Hope Breast Cancer Ride who raise money for this very cause as well as ploughing funds back into the fight against breast cancer. Thus it was decided that all monies raised would be donated to Journey of Hope. "And we decided that if we are going to do this we were going to go big so we set a target to raise a million Rand!," explains Peter.

"We have been very touched by the story of the Robinson family and their Journey Back Journey Forward," says Beverley Sterley, interim Director of Journey of Hope. "Their donation will play a big part in funding our cause," she explains.

The Robinsons will fund the entire trip themselves ensuring that every cent raised will go directly towards their cause.

The Robinson family have already captured the hearts of many with their story and their journey will be followed with great interest. Their progress will be documented on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter as well as on their blog http://journeybackjourneyforward.blogspot.com and on www.journeyofhope.co.za. They will travel through Botswana and Zambia into the Copper Belt, across to Lake Malawi, into Tanzania and Kilimanjaro, through the Serengeti and ferry crossing Lake Victoria, through Uganda and Mountains of the Moon, across Kenya and then head back to Johannesburg via Zimbabwe.

We invite you to share in this story of a family professing their love for two greatly missed members and making it their mission to spread the word so that other families may not lose their loved ones in the same way.

The Journey Back Journey Forward will begin in Johannesburg on 05 August 2011.

Anyone wishing to make a donation towards this cause can do so on the Journey of Hope website www.journeyofhope.co.za or make a bank deposit to the Journey of Hope bank account: Nedbank Branch No: 109114, Acc No: 1091172455, Ref: Friends of JOH - Uganda Journey.

For more information regarding the Robinson family and their Journey Back, Journey Forward or for interview opportunities contact Lindi Berrino on 011 317 3861 / 082 720 5147 or email lindi@reputationmatters.co.za

The South African statistics for fatherless homes are shocking - 9 million children grow up without fathers in South Africa, 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes; more than a third of the country's prisoners are aged 18 - 25. Nearly 50 000 school girls fell pregnant in 2007 a 151% increase since 2003. Nearly a third of 12 - 14 year olds said they had easy access to marijuana and 8% had easy access to crack cocaine .(info. SAIRR )

This crisis is out of control and affecting our communities. The odds are stacked up against South Africa's Youth, therefore The Greater Blue Downs Ministers Fraternal and Hearts of Fathers have joined forces to address issues relating to fathers and sons that are destroying the community and our country.

Heart of Fathers will be launching an inter-church crusade from 22 - 24 July 2011 which is aimed at uniting the Church and community to fight the degeneration in the youth and families caused by absent fathers.

Special guest, Tex Neveling from the Journey of Hope will be speaking to the group during the event. Neveling is a breast cancer survivor and the Journey of Hope's first male rider. "It is important for fathers and sons to communicate and to address sensitive and difficult topics. Breast cancer is one of those topics - it is something that does not discriminate against race, gender, age - it is important to know about and if you see any changes in your body to not be 'macho' about it, but to check it out; if I had not been proactive I would not be here today." The Journey of Hope is a breast cancer awareness initiative that was launched in 2006 where Survivors ride motorcycles throughout the country and create awareness and educate people about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Dispelling myths about breast cancer is also important - it is not something that only middle-aged women get.

For more information on Heart of Fathers Event please call 021 904 0533 or email kimministry@netactive.co.zaand for more info on the Journey of Hope, please contact 011 317 3861 or visit www.journeyofhope.co.za

In South Africa the detection and treatment of breast cancer is the preserve of those with medical aid and the money to pay for it.

The burden of breast cancer in South Africa is on the increase. Many women and men do not receive adequate care for the disease because of lack of access and low levels of awareness. Unless medical care, education and screening practices are improved, breast cancer mortality rates are projected to keep increasing.

Non-profit organisation, The Journey of Hope now in its fourth year, was established to educate and create awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection as well as providing support to those affected by the disease.

The Journey of Hope 2011, which was launched today at Montecasino, aims at educating the public and to de-mystifying the myth that only middle-aged women are prone to breast cancer. Over the course of the seven days the group will be riding motorcycles to raise awareness and educate communities about breast cancer and continue along a personal path of growth and healing by building a supportive community with other people throughout the country.

John Mitchell, Product Manager from Honda Motor Southern Africa was pleased to announce that Honda motorcycles will be the official sponsors of the motorcycles, training and road support for the Journey of Hope 2011. "We are delighted to endorse the Journey of Hope campaign, and are glad to be a part of this wonderful initiative. We at Honda understand the importance of creating awareness and support the ladies and gentleman who will be taking the message of early detection across South Africa."

From 09 - 15 October 2011, 15 breast cancer survivors from all walks of life will embark on reaching rural communities by riding Honda motorcycles from Gauteng to Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the North West, to reach outlying communities and educate them about breast cancer.

Claudia Zwane, 28 year old breast cancer survivor and rider says, "if I had not been vigilant about self- examination and detected the changes in my body early, I would not be here today. During this year's Journey of Hope Ride, it will be important for us to focus on rural areas and bringing home the message about the importance of early detection."

According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) one in 27 South African women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. More than 3 000 women die each year from the disease. Breast cancer is becoming more prevalent in younger women, but men are also affected and make up 1% of patients with cancer.

Tex Neveling is the Journey of Hope's first male rider, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. "As the first man to join the Journey of Hope ride, it is important for me to raise awareness that breast cancer is not gender specific." He hopes to change the perception that only women gets breast cancer and hopes to set a pace for other man to follow in creating awareness.

"It's vital for people to understand the difference that detecting and treating breast cancer early can make," says Zwane. "Most cancer campaigns are generally targeted at urban stakeholders and never reach the rural parts of our country where there is a great need for education. We also want to eradicate misconceptions and unfounded beliefs of breast cancer. In rural parts of South Africa, breast cancer is considered to be a result of a curse or poison sent by an enemy, or putting money inside bras; these are all myths that we need to dispel."

Zwane continued, "Many women in the rural areas are without the much needed education on the basics of breast cancer and they hide their symptoms or simply fall into denial. When cancer is diagnosed early, treatment is often simpler and more likely to be effective. People are more likely to survive cancer if it is found at an early stage. With late diagnosis accounting for thousands of unnecessary deaths from breast cancer each year, it's important to know what's normal for your body and look out for any unusual or persistent changes.''

For more information about the Journey of Hope 2011 ride contact their offices on 011 317 3861 or 082 840 3633 or visit their website www.journeyofhope.co.za

The Journey of Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Ride going from strength to strength.

When the Journey of Hope Breast Cancer Ride was initiated in 2006 it was the first of its kind in South Africa. The purpose of the Journey of Hope Breast Cancer Ride is to spread the message of a positive attitude and of hope regarding breast cancer, in a unique and vibrant way. This is achieved through a volunteer group of breast cancer survivors travelling across South Africa on motorcycles and sharing their stories of Hope. At the same time these dynamic role models highlight the importance of early detection of breast cancer.

Since then a number of similar initiatives unassociated with the Journey of Hope have been initiated following the same basic model. Journey of Hope are supportive of any cause that shares its vision of spreading the message of Hope and the early detection of breast cancer to South African communities.

In 2007 the close knit family was devastated to discover that Cheryl had breast cancer. She received treatment and the cancer went into remission only to return again. During this time they received a second blow, Dulcie was diagnosed with breast cancer too. She too underwent treatment but tragically, in 2010, the Robinson family laid to rest both Cheryl and Dulcie, within months of each other.

Aileen Taylor, Director says, "The Journey of Hope has a long and successful track record and has grown from strength to strength over the years, especially when it comes to educating rural communities about breast cancer and dispelling some of the myths that exist around breast cancer. We are looking forward to an exciting Ride this year when we will be travelling through Gauteng to Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the North West to spread our message of Hope and early detection of breast cancer."

This year a new group of 15 breast cancer survivors from all walks of life will once again embark on a Journey of Hope by riding Honda motorcycles. Amongst them will be the first male breast cancer survivor to participate in a Journey of Hope ride. Appearances, talks and awareness workshops will be held throughout the year as well as during the week of the main ride, when various schools, shopping centres and communities along the route will be visited.

The Journey of Hope ride will be taking place from 09 - 15 October 2011. For more information about the Journey of Hope 2011 ride contact 011 3173861 / 082 840 3633 or visit www.journeyofhope.co.za

Journey Back, Journey Forward, is a project spearheaded by the Robinson family after losing two family members (Mum and Daughter) in one a year, both to breast cancer. The project will see a group of individuals embarking on a remarkable motorcycle journey from Johannesburg, South Africa to Uganda in August 2011. All the funds raised during the journey will be donated to another project called the Journey of Hope Breast Cancer Ride 2011, whose aim it is to raise awareness around the importance of early detection of breast cancer. A target to raise 1 Million Rand has been set.

On Saturday 30 July 2011 Cresta Shopping Centre will be hosting a full day event in their Barnyard courtyard and outside amphitheatre to see off the group of motorcyclists on their trip entitled the Journey Back, Journey Forward. The group, comprising three generations of the Robinson family as well as friends, will be embarking on a motorcycle journey that will leave Cresta Shopping Centre on 05 August 2011 at 5am to traverse parts of the African Continent as far as Uganda for 30 days before returning to South Africa. This Journey Back, Journey Forward is in part being undertaken in support of breast cancer awareness and the group are hoping to raise R 1 MILLION for the cause. All proceeds will be donated to Journey of Hope, an institution that strives to create awareness around the importance of early detection of breast cancer, and provides support to people with breast cancer in less fortunate areas.

"We would love for members of the public to come past and visit us to learn more about our journey and our cause," says 76 year old Peter Robinson, who will be one of the riders on the trip.

Members of the Journey Back, Journey Forward team will be present throughout the day to share the story that inspired their journey and to showcase the motorcycles that they will be using for the ride. "There will be opportunities for people to make donations to the Journey of Hope on our behalf, thus helping us on our way to reach the R1 million target," Robinson explains. "In addition, we will be raffling off the motorcycle that I will be riding on the journey and a lucky draw will be held with a R1,000 Gift Card sponsored by Cresta Shopping Centre up for grabs at the end of the day."

Everyone coming to visit the exhibition is encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer - and that includes the men!

This year a new group of 15 breast cancer survivors from all walks of life will once again embark on a Journey of Hope by riding Honda motorcycles. Amongst them will be the first male breast cancer survivor to participate in a Journey of Hope ride. Appearances, talks and awareness workshops will be held throughout the year as well as during the week of the main ride, when various schools, shopping centres and communities along the route will be visited.

"Cresta Shopping Centre is honoured to play a small part of Journey Back Journey Forward's initiative and its aims of spreading awareness for breast cancer and bringing much needed treatment and support to thousands of South African women who otherwise cannot afford it," says Phili Mtsali, spokesperson for Cresta Shopping Centre. "We urge all our shoppers to come through and show their big hearts in support of this worthy cause on the day. We also wish the Robinson family well on their journey and every success in their fundraising efforts," Mtsali continues.

Aside from members of the public, Journey Back, Journey Forward and Journey of Hope would like to encourage the biking communities in Johannesburg to get on board in support of this cause and are inviting them to come along on the day with their bikes. "We'd love to fill the Amphitheatre with at least 100 motorcycles on the 30th of July," says Robinson. Motorcyclists who bring their bikes will be asked to donate R100 to Journey of Hope. All motorcyclists are also invited to ride out with the Journey Back Journey Forward group on the morning of the 5th of August to escort them out of Johannesburg in a farewell procession. Departure will be at 5am.

Journey Back, Journey Forward have embarked on a number of other fundraising initiatives prior to the ride. The most recent was a charity auction and dinner held at St Stithians, where wine, paintings, jewellery and mining memorabilia were auctioned off. Amongst the items auctioned was a watercolour painting by Peter Robinson's late wife Dulcie which sold for R30,000. The event raised in excess of R210,000 for breast cancer awareness as participants put their money where their hearts were and bid generously. The Robinsons will fund their entire trip themselves ensuring that every cent raised will go directly towards their cause. The Robinson family have already captured the hearts of many with their story and their journey will be followed with great interest. Their progress will be documented on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter as well as on their blog http://journeybackjourneyforward.blogspot.com.

They will travel through Botswana and Zambia into the Copper Belt, across to Lake Malawi, into Tanzania and Kilimanjaro, through the Serengeti and ferry crossing Lake Victoria, through Uganda and Mountains of the Moon, across Kenya and then head back to Johannesburg via Zimbabwe.

Anyone wishing to make a donation towards this cause can do so on the Journey of Hope website www.journeyofhope.co.za or make a bank deposit to the Journey of Hope bank account: Nedbank Branch No: 109114, Acc No: 1091172455, Ref: Friends of JOH - Uganda Journey.

For more information regarding the Robinson family and their Journey Back, Journey Forward or for interview opportunities contact Lindi Berrino on 011 317 3861 / 082 720 5147 or email lindi@reputationmatters.co.za