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Inspirational local ladies are lacing up their walking boots this May for the Women’s Warrior Walk, a monumental two-day challenge covering the distance from El Paraiso (between Marbella and Estepona) to Gibraltar. Starting on May 9, a group of over 30 determined women will embark on a 63km journey to raise essential funds for Cure DHDDS. This UK-registered charity (number 1202643) works tirelessly to fund life-changing research for a condition that currently has no known cure.

Understanding DHDDS: A battle for a brighter future

DHDDS gene mutations represent an ultra-rare neurological condition. Patients typically face a range of progressive symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, balance issues, and seizures. Cognitive impairment and physical challenges can start from birth, making early medical intervention a top priority for families.

Local resident Zoe and her family launched the charity three years ago after two of her grandchildren received this diagnosis. Faced with a lack of available hospital treatments due to the extreme rarity of the disease, the family took matters into their own hands to drive and promote scientific progress.

Join the Warrior Walk from El Paraíso to Gibraltar

Participation and sponsorship from the Costa del Sol community remain vital for the success of this mission. Every Euro donated travels directly to scientific laboratories to power medical breakthroughs. Local businesses, including Organic Cold Pressed Juicery and Da Grappa Restaurante, have already stepped up to provide support.

Community members can get involved by sponsoring the walkers or providing practical assistance during the trek on 9 and 10 May. Business sponsors gain visibility through logo placement on official event T-shirts and across social media platforms.

Hope is on the horizon for children living with DHDDS. Interested parties should visit curedhdds.org or contact Zoe directly at +34 670 069 623 to donate or learn how to join the ranks of these local warriors.

Anna Dabrowski, famously known as Anna Pom Pom, has launched an urgent new mission to support a homeless woman in the Costa del Sol. Benahavis residents already know Anna well for her tireless community work, but this latest campaign takes her trademark compassion directly to the streets of a neighbouring town. Former media stars often stay away from the front lines, but this Swedish-born entrepreneur thrives on making a real difference for those in crisis.

Direct help on the streets

Ana, the one from Estepona, the recipient of this kindness, currently survives in extremely difficult conditions without basic shelter. Modern life often overlooks those sleeping rough, yet this initiative plans to bring the community together to restore a sense of safety and dignity to their daily existence. Initial fundraising goals included a sturdy, weather-resistant tent, insulated flooring, and a comfortable mattress. Recent updates confirm that enough funds were raised for the tent itself, though constant support for food and hygiene remains a priority.

Direct action defines Anna’s charitable style. Having swapped a high-profile career in Swedish television for a grounded life in a Spanish mountain village, she now uses her influence to bridge the gap between those with plenty and those with nothing. Her restaurant, Los Abanicos (or Anna’s Pom Pom), often acts as a meeting point for these local initiatives, proving that business and benevolence go hand-in-hand. She believes in providing physical items rather than just cash, ensuring every donation serves a specific, visible purpose.

Support for the “Estepona Ana”

Community members, affectionately called “Angels” by Anna, continue to offer their backing through various channels. This grassroots movement proves that small gestures create massive change when a local coordinator takes the first step. Every contribution assists in transforming a vulnerable woman’s life from one of pure survival to one of relative comfort.

A mere €350 is all that Ana from Estepona needs for now. Some of that money has already been spent on getting a decent tent. Generous residents can contribute via the official GoFundMe page titled “Tent, floor, mattress, food for homeless Ana in Estepona“. Sharing the campaign link also provides immense value, helping the message reach more compassionate individuals across Spain. Anna Pom Pom remains committed to documenting the progress, making sure every donor sees the physical difference their kindness makes on the ground. Everyone has the power to change a life, and in Estepona, that change is happening one tent at a time.