Laughter rang out across Miraflores Tennis Club in Mijas as La Cala Lions staged their fourth Memory Day for children living with cancer and other serious illness. Dedicated Lion Wynson Beswick once again pulled the day together, turning months of fundraising into an afternoon of games, water and family time that families say stays with them.

Wynson’s idea that gifts experience, not just presents

Wynson, a former club president and grandmother, first pushed for this format because toys get forgotten. “Can we give the children experiences? A memory of the day? That’s something that will stay with them forever,” she has said. Fellow Lions and friends answered her call again this year. Volunteers ran stalls, kept the barbecue going and made sure every child left with a gift voucher.

Fundación Olivares, AECC and ADIMI brought families they support. Andrés Olivares, who started the foundation after losing his son Luis to leukaemia, has called earlier editions “a marvellous thing” for families to share a beautiful day. Club members echoed that warmth. One Lion who helped last year wrote that it “really was a brilliant day for the children and their families.”

Pool, games and a barbecue built for special children

Kids piled onto an inflatable slide in the swimming pool, tried duck fishing and shuffleboard, painted bags and even had a go at the bodhrán. A magician worked the crowd while parents watched from the shade. More than a hundred people came last year; this fourth gathering kept that same busy, happy feel.

La Cala Lions have raised well over €1.5 million over the years for local causes, including earlier Memory Days and summer collections such as the Percy Pig bar crawl that went straight towards this fun day. Details and how to help are at lacalalions.org or on 607 879 450.

Wynson’s quiet persistence, and the Lions who back her, keep giving these children one carefree day they can carry home.

Periana will host its seventh Caminata con Esperanza charity walk on Sunday, October 4, for the Esperanza breast cancer association.

Starting at 10.50am, the event is organised by Periana Fitness and is open to people of all ages and abilities. Participants can walk or run at their own pace, supporting people affected by breast cancer, their families and loved ones in the Axarquia.

Event organisers had already recorded 643 registrations when it was presented last week, although anyone wanting to take part can still join on the day.

Music and a charity party

Once the walk finishes, Periana will keep the celebration going until the evening with a charity party featuring music, dancing, a raffle and a bar raising funds for the cause.

Local performers include the Caminos de Olivares choir, the San Isidro Panda de Verdiales, the Virgen del Carmen retirees’ association, dance groups led by Abraham Ortiz, DJ Jose Moreno, José Dance and performers providing a bachata show.

A group from the Peña Caballista will also lead the route, while businesses, volunteers and neighbouring municipalities including Alfarnatejo, Almáchar, El Borge and La Viñuela are supporting the day.

Supporting Esperanza

Association president María Ramos said the event is also intended to call for more resources for breast cancer research and greater support for people affected by the disease.

Esperanza, a non-profit organisation based in Velez-Malaga, provides psychological and social support, information, awareness activities and other services for people with cancer and their families. The association has also received funding to support cancer patients in rural Axarquia.

This year’s event artwork and T-shirt feature the Fuente or Pila de la Lomilleja, a local heritage site that has recently been restored. Designer Milagros Zamora said the choice was intended to give participants a small reminder of Periana to take home.

October 4 will be a chance to get active, meet neighbours too and support a local organisation locally helping people through cancer.

International residents in the Axarquia are turning sport into a fundraiser, with the second Pink Padel tournament coming to Torre del Mar this October.

Pink Padel returns to Torre del Mar

Pink Padel will take place at Global Sports in Torre del Mar on Saturday, October 17, from 5pm to 11pm, bringing 48 players for padel, music, food and fundraising.

Spectators can attend free of charge, with a raffle and prize-giving adding to the programme. Players each pay €10, with every euro going to Asociación Esperanza, the Axarquia association supporting people with cancer and their families.

Organiser Tracy Patterson said Pink Padel was created by a group of mainly non-Spanish-speaking residents who share a love of padel and affection for the Axarquia.

Expats putting something back

Patterson said the group wanted to get more involved in local life, learn more about the areas where they live and make a positive contribution to the community.

That international connection is being extended to local businesses. Organisers are inviting Axarquia companies to donate raffle prizes, gift vouchers or financial support towards costs such as court hire, decorations and sports equipment.

A picnic after the tournament will bring players together, with participants supplying the food. Music, a raffle and the prize ceremony will complete the evening too.

Money goes to local cancer support

Asociación Esperanza was chosen so money raised can directly benefit people and families in the Axarquia. The organisation provides social and psychological support, group activities, information and other services for people affected by cancer.

Last year’s first Pink Padel event raised €1,194 for FECMA, the Spanish Federation of Breast Cancer Associations.

Association president Maria Ramos thanked the organisers for bringing together sport, friendship and solidarity to support people facing cancer.

For players, businesses or anyone wanting to support the event, organisers are encouraging local participation. More information about Asociación Esperanza and its work is available through its website.