The Jamaica Cancer Society, Black River Hospital and children with cancer across the island are now recipients of $43 million raised through the 2016 Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run which took place yesterday in Kingston.

“Sagicor is truly grateful for the overwhelming support we received for the beneficiaries,” a company release quoted Ingrid Card, vice-president of group marketing at Sagicor.

“This is a record year, the largest amount raised in a single staging,” Card continued. “We will now be able to purchase the mammography machine for the Cancer Society’s mobile unit to conduct breast cancer screenings in the most rural areas of Jamaica. The Black River Hospital will also get some crucial equipment needed for its Paediatric unit, and we will be able to assist with life-saving equipment and supplies for children with cancer across the island.”

In its 17-year history, Sigma Run has raised approximately $166 million for child and health care facilities in Jamaica.

Dr Michelle Reece-Mills, paediatric oncologist at University Hospital of the West Indies said the funds raised through the charitable event will be far-reaching for children with cancer.

“The funds raised will definitely have a significant impact on the care of children with cancer in 2016. This will go a far way, allowing them to stay on treatment. Also, the use of CTs and MRIs will help us to make the administration of chemotherapy less painful with chemotherapy pumps and central IV lines.”

Approximately 24,000 individuals registered in support of this year’s event.