The Solidarity Walk ‘Let’s Take a Step Against Diabetes’ aims to raise awareness among the population about the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits and to support biomedical research carried out in the region. All the funds raised will go to the Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases Research Group (DIAMET) at IISPV, which focuses on finding new knowledge and strategies to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
“The Perafort Town Council reaffirms its commitment to health, solidarity, and medical research through this initiative—values we consider essential for the well-being of our citizens. The funds are allocated to the IISPV to support research and scientific progress in this field,” said the mayor of Perafort, Joan Martí Pla i Pla. The Perafort Town Council thanks all the individuals and organizations involved and invites everyone to join this solidarity cause. Taking a step against diabetes is taking a step for everyone’s health.
There are different types of diabetes, but the most common are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes affects about 0.2% of the population in Spain, and around 10% of diagnosed cases are in young people and children. Type 2 diabetes affects between 6% and 14% of the population. This percentage depends on the age group considered, but the older the person, the higher the incidence.
The director of the IISPV, Joan Vendrell, explains that “diabetes is not visible, but it can be controlled with information and a healthy lifestyle. In this sense, events like the walk are very valuable, as they help raise awareness about the disease and its impact, and also promote the work we do. Moreover, they are an opportunity for people to contribute to the development of the various research projects underway at the Institute.”
With a registration fee of €5, participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt, enjoy breakfast and drinks in Els Garidells, and take part in a raffle of products offered by the event’s sponsors after the walk. Registration is open until November 21st, 2025, through the following link: https://serveis.iispv.cat/events/desena-caminada-contra-la-diabetis
For the third time, the Congress and Exhibition Palace of Tarragona will host Mamapop, a charity show that donates all its profits to breast cancer research at the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute (IISPV)
Mamapop will return to Tarragona for the third year in a row, with a new show on Saturday, November 1st. In 2025, Mamapop will take the audience on a musical journey through the 1960s and 1970s, performing famous songs from artists like Los Brincos, Los Bravos, Marisol, Miguel Ríos, Los Mustang, Los Sírex, Nino Bravo, Fórmula V, Camilo Sesto, Jeannette, Albert Hammond and Julio Iglesias, among others.
The show features a pop-rock instrumental base combined with violins, violas and cellos from the Julià Carbonell Symphony Orchestra of Lleida. Singers include Paula Costes, Nerea García, Laura Roure, Anna Simon, Xènia Pérez, David Honrrubia, Toni Gilabert, Maria Fernández, Pol Simon and Nomís Lenam. The musical director is Josep María Bossa, pianist, guitarist, composer and producer at Bossa Records. More than thirty professionals will be on stage to offer a unique and original production.
Once again, all proceeds from the concert will go to breast cancer research at IISPV. The event also celebrates the institute’s 20th anniversary and supports an ongoing study about the link between obesity and breast cancer, funded by previous Mamapop concerts. Manel Simon, promoter and artistic director of Mamapop, said: “It’s an honour to premiere the new show in Tarragona, knowing that a researcher can work on breast cancer thanks to the support of the local community.”
Dr. Elisabet Vilella, deputy director of IISPV, explained: “Our research is already showing results, which have been presented at several conferences. Early findings confirm the hypothesis that there is a connection between obesity and breast cancer. The project’s progress depends on future funding. Right now, we are waiting for a decision on a grant from the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC).”
Noemí Llauradó, president of the Tarragona Provincial Council, highlighted the institution’s commitment “to culture, research and solidarity.” She added: “Mamapop is more than a concert—it raises awareness.”
The event was presented on Monday at IISPV headquarters. Tarragona’s mayor, Rubén Viñuales, said: “Mamapop was created to raise awareness and mobilise people against breast cancer, using the universal language of music. The energy and enthusiasm it creates is transformed by IISPV into cutting-edge scientific research that improves the lives of those affected.”
Mamapop Tarragona is supported by Fundación Repsol, Factor Energia, the Port of Tarragona, the City Council, the Congress Palace, Rotary Club Tarragona, Tarragona Basketball Club, Nàstic de Tarragona, and the Provincial Council. The concert will take place on Saturday, November 1st, 2025 at 8pm. Over a thousand tickets are now on sale at www.mamapop.cat and in person at FarmaTarraco (C/ de Pere Martell, 5).
