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.

Dog lovers are being invited to put their pets through their paces at a charity dog show raising money for two local animal rescue organisations.

The event takes place at Lo Crispin Tavern in Algorfa on Sunday, October 18, with proceeds supporting Big Reds Animal Association and Paradise Rescue Kennels. Registration opens at 10:00 AM before judging gets underway at 12:00 PM.

Dog show offers classes for all kinds of pets

Entry costs €5 per dog and handler, with a wide variety of classes giving different four-legged contenders a chance to impress the judges.

Categories include Best Rescue Dog, Best Rescue Bitch, Most Handsome Dog, Prettiest Bitch and Waggiest Tail.

Rescue animals will have dedicated categories, while the broader classes mean dogs do not need to have a particular pedigree or background to take part.

The event is designed to provide an entertaining day for owners and their pets while raising money for organisations working with animals in need.

Registration will be available from 10:00 AM, giving owners two hours to sign up before judging starts at midday.

Veterans and youngsters get their own categories

Dogs of different ages will also have opportunities to compete.

Older pets aged over eight can enter the veterans category, while youngsters under 18 months will have their own junior class.

There will also be prizes for Best Trick and Young Handler, adding further variety to the day’s competition.

The winners will ultimately compete for the main Best in Show title, with a Reserve in Show also selected.

Judging will be carried out by Ann Dyson and Courtney Formosa from Tails in Tubs, while Chris Dyson from TKO Radio’s Breakfast Show will host the event.

Funds will support local animal rescue work

Money raised during the dog show will be shared in support of Big Reds Animal Association and Paradise Rescue Kennels.

Both organisations work to help animals in need, making the October event an opportunity for local pet owners to support animal welfare while enjoying a community day out.

The charity dog show takes place on Sunday, October 18 at Lo Crispin Tavern, Avenida las Naciones 55, Algorfa.

For further information, contact Keith Oakes on (+34) 711 017 534 or Joan Oakes on (+34) 711 060 240.