Singapore, September 25, 2008 – 10 women Members of Parliament (MPs)* have stepped up to champion Singapore's first-ever "Women Against Cancer" initiative – a cause supported by the Women 10K run. In their support for the cause, the MPs are calling upon runners, corporations and members of the public to contribute generously through the Women 10K website.

“It is only right for all women to support this cause. There is power and unity in numbers and women need to come together to garner collaborative support whether through support groups, counseling, volunteering, increasing our own understanding and being aware. Being a medical specialist myself and seeing cancer patients come in daily with multiple complications and issues, whether medical or social…is sure enough to make me support this wholeheartedly,” said MP Dr Fatimah Lateef.

With a target to raise $100,000 this year, the Women Against Cancer campaign will channel the funds towards Breast Cancer Foundation and Singapore's first Cervical Cancer Prevention Fund, which provide education to women and aid to needy victims.

Mrs Fang Ai Lian, Chairman of Great Eastern, said, “The Great Eastern Women 10K has grown beyond just a platform to promote healthy living and bonding. What better way to raise funds for and enhance awareness of breast and cervical cancers - the top two cancers affecting women today - than through an all-women sporting event.”

Added Terence Khoo, Managing Director of ESG, co-organiser of the drive and overall organiser of the race, “The Great Eastern Women 10K is not all about the runners, spectators and sponsors — it also stands for a cancer cause. Women Against Cancer is a great opportunity for all of us to give back to society.”

A record 10,000 runners have signed up for this year's event. Among them will be a number of cancer survivors, notably Koh Chieng Mun, one of Singapore's most well known and loved comedic actresses.

On her participation in the race, Chieng Mun explained: "As a cancer survivor, I want to take part in the Great Eastern Women 10K race which supports a worthy cause. Greater cancer awareness and education among women can help affected victims seek medical attention earlier. It was early detection that saved my life."

All runners and the public can show their support for Women Against Cancer by donating their preferred sum. Donations can be made online at www.women10k.com or via cheque to Enterprise Sports Group Pte Ltd which is located at 257B Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259699. At the back of the cheque, please indicate "Donation for Women Against Cancer".

Women 10K

Runners during last year’s Women 10K. (Photo courtesy of ESG)

*The ten women MPs include Lim Hwee Hua, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Transport; Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development & Ministry of Education; Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC; Dr Amy Khor, Mayor, South West District, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources & Deputy Government Whip; Indranee Rajah, MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC; Fatimah Lateef, MP for Marine Parade GRC; Ellen Lee, MP for Sembawang GRC; Jessica Tan, MP for East Coast GRC; Josephine Teo, MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC; and Jessie Phua, NMP.