Durban invited to put on its brightest hats and walk for children’s palliative care

Durban, KZN – Registration is now open for the third annual Durban #HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk, taking place on Sunday, 11 October 2026, along Durban’s beachfront promenade. The 5 km family-friendly walk invites individuals, families, schools, businesses and community groups to wear their most creative hats in support of children living with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses.

Hosted by Palliative Care for Children South Africa (PatchSA) in partnership with Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children, the walk forms part of the global #HatsOn4CPC campaign and will take place along Durban’s iconic beachfront promenade.

Marked each year on the second Friday in October, #HatsOn4CPC raises awareness that every child with a serious illness has the right to quality palliative care that relieves pain, eases suffering and improves quality of life. This year’s global awareness day falls on Friday, 9 October, two days before the Durban Fun Walk.

The event also draws attention to a major gap in care for South African children and families. Across South Africa, over 300 000 children live with serious life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses requiring specialised palliative care, yet PatchSA estimates that only about 5% can access the care they need. For many children, this means preventable pain and distressing symptoms; for families, it means facing serious illness without the support that can help from diagnosis onward.

“Children's palliative care is about helping children live as well as possible for as long as possible,” says Dr Julia Ambler, Medical Director and co-founder of Umduduzi. “It is not only for end-of-life care. It can and should be provided alongside treatment aimed at cure, supporting children and families from the time of diagnosis or recognition that the condition is life-threatening or life-limiting.”

Community Participation and Family-Friendly Activities

The Durban #HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk gives the public a joyful, family-friendly way to stand with children who need palliative care, while learning more about the support that can help them live as well as possible.

Participants are encouraged to wear their brightest, funniest or most imaginative hats, with spot prizes awarded after the walk for the most impressive creations. Only registered participants will be eligible for prizes.

The event is designed for all ages. Babies in strollers, young children and even well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome to take part.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, 11 October 2026Time: Arrival from 7:00 am; walk starts at 8:00 am; event concludes at approximately 11:00 am.Venue:The Amphitheatre, North Beach Promenade, opposite the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel, Durban.Route:Participants will walk north along the beachfront promenade towards the Moses Mabhida Stadium before returning to the Amphitheatre.RegistrationRegister online at https://patchsa.org/durban-hatson4cpc-fun-walk/Adults: R100 Children (4–12 years): R50Children 3 years and under join for free.

From sunhats and sports caps to fascinators, bucket hats and handmade creations, every hat helps start conversations about the compassionate support every seriously ill child deserves.

Early registration is encouraged, with all proceeds supporting awareness of children’s palliative care and the work of PatchSA and Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children.

Put on your brightest hat, bring your family and friends, and join Durban in standing with children who need palliative care.