More than 200 walkers brought colour, creativity and compassion to Durban’s beachfront at the third annual #HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk on Sunday, 11 October 2026.

The Durban beachfront was filled with smiles, laughter and an extraordinary collection of hats as more than 200 participants joined the third annual Durban #HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk in support of children’s palliative care.

Organised through a collaboration between Palliative Care for Children South Africa (PatchSA) and Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children, the 5 km walk took participants from the Amphitheatre on the North Beach promenade towards Moses Mabhida Stadium and back again.

After some uncertainty about the weather, the morning delivered glorious sunshine and perfect walking conditions. Families, friends, babies in strollers, children and even four-legged companions came together for a joyful event that demonstrated what can happen when a community unites behind a worthy cause.

A sea of creative hats and community spirit

The highlight of the morning was undoubtedly the wonderfully imaginative hats worn by participants. From colourful creations to fun and eye-catching designs, everyone had embraced the spirit of #HatsOn4CPC, turning the beachfront into a vibrant celebration of community and compassion.

Alan Chetty got the morning off to an energetic start with a Mexican wave that swept through the crowd, building excitement and enthusiasm before the walkers set off.

The fun continued after the walk, with some amazing prizes awarded to participants who had created the most imaginative hats. Special prizes were also presented to children in recognition of their enthusiastic participation.

Beyond the prizes and colourful headwear, what stood out was the lovely atmosphere throughout the event. People of all ages came together, enjoying the sunshine and the opportunity to make a difference simply by taking part.

The organisers are particularly grateful to the many volunteers who gave their time and energy to help make the morning a success. Their assistance in guiding participants along the route and helping to keep everyone safe was invaluable.

Walking together for children who need palliative care

While the walk was a fun and uplifting occasion, its purpose was much more significant than a morning of exercise and entertainment.

#HatsOn4CPC is part of a global campaign that raises awareness of the need for palliative care for children living with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions.

Children’s palliative care is about much more than end-of-life care. It can begin at the time of diagnosis and be provided alongside treatment aimed at curing an illness. It focuses on relieving pain and other distressing symptoms, supporting emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and helping children and their families enjoy the best possible quality of life.

In South Africa, the need remains enormous. Estimates cited by PatchSA indicate that at least one million children may need palliative care, yet only a small proportion can access the specialised services they require.

Through its education, advocacy and networking initiatives, PatchSA works to improve understanding of children’s palliative care and strengthen the support available to children, families and the professionals who care for them. Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children provides palliative care support to children and families in KwaZulu-Natal.

Every person who joined the walk helped bring greater visibility to these children and families. Every hat, every step and every conversation contributed to raising awareness of a cause that deserves far greater recognition and support.

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors

An event of this nature would not be possible without the generosity of the individuals and businesses who support it. PatchSA and Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children extend their sincere thanks to all the sponsors whose contributions helped make the third Durban #HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk such a success.

Our grateful thanks go to:

  • Anew Hotel
  • Albie van Loggerenberg
  • Alan Chetty
  • Alvina, in memory of Nomfundo Zungu
  • Concom
  • Dady Cool Airconditioning
  • Deadpool
  • Dhineshree Govender
  • Diveshan and Radelia
  • East Coast Radio
  • Eaton Vance Engineering
  • First Responder KZN
  • Forest Fairies
  • HTI Insurance Brokers
  • Jenam
  • Keshwin, DTK Siya General Trading
  • Linda Mamet
  • Mace Safety Solutions
  • Nikita Bhula
  • Nicky Farrell
  • Palmers
  • Platinum Tankers
  • Puveshni Govender
  • RedFin Accounting
  • The Spice Kitchen, Johannesburg
  • Tracy and Mark Rawlins
  • Veronique and PJ Garbutt
  • Wave Church
  • Zakiya Asmal Speech Therapist

We also thank everyone who contributed behind the scenes, from our volunteers and organisers to the families and individuals who participated and helped spread the word.

A very special thank you goes to the organising committee: Dr Samantha Govender, Dr Julia Ambler, Tracey Brand, Michelle Houston, Sue Boucher, Tracy Rawlins, Sister Pam Chetty, Dr Jivanesh Chetty, Taskeen Ameer and Mary Soobromoney. Their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm helped bring the event together.

Together, we can make a difference

The success of the third annual Durban #HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk is a wonderful reminder that raising awareness does not always have to be complicated. Sometimes, it starts with putting on a hat, inviting a friend, bringing the family and showing up for a cause that matters.

PatchSA and Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s walk such a happy and meaningful occasion.

Thank you, Durban, for putting your hats on and standing with children who need palliative care!

Together, let’s keep raising awareness, strengthening support and working towards a future in which every child who needs palliative care can receive it.

To learn more about children’s palliative care and the work of PatchSA, visit www.patchsa.org. To find out more about Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children, visit www.umduduzi.co.za.