Tag: breast cancer

Make 2nds Count announces Monumental Milestone

The innovative service celebrates a pivotal achievement in advancing patient access to clinical trials

Make 2nds Count, a pioneering charity dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for secondary breast cancer, is proud to announce that – championed by a generous grant from Breast Cancer charity Walk the Walk – their Patient Trials Advocate (PTA) service has so far supported 500 secondary breast cancer patients across the UK, marking a significant milestone and pivotal achievement in advancing patient access to clinical trials.

In a noteworthy collaboration, the Walk the Walk charity – organiser of the iconic MoonWalk London and MoonWalk Scotland fundraising events – has donated £79,434 to the PTA service, which was originally launched in 2021. These funds will be used to finance the full initiative for the next 9 months to a year, demonstrating the collective effort to make a meaningful impact in the lives of secondary breast cancer patients.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said: “I am really delighted to share the news of the recent grant which Walk the Walk has awarded to Make 2nds Count.

“This funding will specifically contribute towards the charity’s ground-breaking Patient Trials Advocate Service. This much-needed service is designed to bring together women with breast cancer, who might not otherwise have had access to clinical trials, and for many of whom this is the last resort of treatment.  

“By collaborating, charities can make such a huge difference to so many people, and we are incredibly proud to be supporting Make 2nds Count and what they achieve in raising awareness and funding research for secondary breast cancer.

“Whilst Walk the Walk supports its own campaigns, grants like this one are very exciting and wonderful to share with Walk the Walk’s fundraisers – I cannot thank these generous and wonderful people enough!”

Make 2nds Count’s PTA service is the first of its kind in the UK, offering fresh hope to patients by connecting them with clinical trials that have the potential to improve outcomes and extend life.

Since its pilot launch in 2021, the PTA service has provided support to over 500 patients, with a remarkable 100% endorsement from those who have experienced the initiative. Furthermore, 95% of patients expressed their willingness to engage in discussions with their clinicians about the possibility of accessing clinical trials.

Patient Trial Advocate, Senior Research Nurse Vivienne Wilson, expressed her enthusiasm for the service, stating, “I’ve been working with Make 2nds Count for over two years now, and I think this service really is one of a kind.

“I enjoy the opportunity to talk to many secondary breast cancer patients, sharing my knowledge with regards to available trials and guiding them to explore their options.”

One such patient is Margaret Irvine, who was diagnosed 8 years ago with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer after an original diagnosis of primary breast cancer 9 years before that.

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Margaret – who is a trained District Nurse and has worked in the community throughout her career -says: “The worst part of being diagnosed was telling my close family – any negative changes are always hard to deal with.

“Finding information is never easy as most of it is very negative or outdated when beginning to research, but I tried my best and the unit I originally attended for treatment was very supportive. As my treatment progressed, I became aware of Make 2nds Count and I started talking to people about the PTA Service.

“Access to the service has given me new hope and support, as well as a new way of opening discussions with my treatment team and allowing myself and others as patients to have more control of the journey we are on. This is the main reason I decided to share my experience with others too.”

Secondary breast cancer, also known as metastatic, advanced, or stage IV breast cancer, claims the lives of 1000 women in the UK each month and is currently affecting 61,000 people, yet it remains a relatively unknown and underrepresented area of research.

The PTA service, which covers the UK with dedicated nurses based in Edinburgh, the Borders, and the Highlands, provides patients with personalised support and information. Patients undergo an initial one-to-one, hour-long phone consultation with specialist nurses who offer guidance on clinical trials, address queries, and assist in searching for suitable trials.

The ultimate goal is to empower patients to discuss clinical trials as a viable part of their treatment pathway.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk adds: “We could not do any of the special work we do without everyone’s help, so sign up now at www.walkthewalk.org for The MoonWalk London on Saturday 18 May and join this incredible fun-filled ‘Fiesta’ of a night. 

“A night which brings people together all putting one foot in front of another to reach their own personal goal of walking a Half or Full Marathon through the night, whilst helping others. Come and see for yourself, it really is breath-taking!”

Make 2nds Count is dedicated to continuing its mission, ensuring that every patient with secondary breast cancer has the knowledge and opportunity to explore clinical trials as an integral part of their treatment journey.

If you are a secondary breast cancer patient who may be interested in clinical trials and the PTA service, please visit our website:

 – https://make2ndscount.co.uk/support/pta

MoonWalk Scotland lights up the night-time streets of Edinburgh

The MoonWalk Scotland returned to the streets of Edinburgh in a blaze of colour last night (Sat 9th Sept).

Women, men and young people wearing brightly decorated bras or colourful “bra t-shirts” set off from Holyrood Park in balmy, late summer temperatures at 11pm, to walk a half or full marathon through the capital. 

Organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, the first MoonWalk Scotland was staged in 2006. Since then, walkers have raised almost £22 million, which is granted across Scotland to help support those living with cancer. 

Walk the Walk recently awarded £50,000 to the charity Cancer Support Scotland, to help reduce the waiting list for Scottish cancer patients and their families, who are in desperate need of emotional and wellbeing support.

Many buildings and landmarks across Edinburgh lit up pink throughout the night in honour of Walk the Walk’s amazing walkers and volunteers.

These included Edinburgh Castle; Camera Obscura, Lloyds on the Mound; Royal Society; Edinburgh; Victoria Quay, Leith, Radisson Blu Hotel, St. Andrew’s House, Prestonfield House Hotel; Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Rachel Groves (59) from Edinburgh completed the 26.2 miles Full Moon. Rachel was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2023, having battled for almost a year to be examined in person by her GP.

Rachel said; “I’m chuffed to bits to have completed The MoonWalk with my daughter, sister, nieces and closest friend.

“It was quite an incredible experience: amazing volunteers, very non-traditional Edinburgh weather and a cause we all truly believe in.

“For me, personally, it was particularly humbling to be fundraising knowing that MoonWalk organisers breast cancer charity Walk the Walk funded the unit which treated me at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.

“And here I am, less than five months after a mastectomy, walking the walk!“

Fiona Watson, (56) from Elgin, took part in her first Moonwalk, completing the 13.1 miles Half Moon. Fiona has been on constant treatment for secondary breast cancer since 2014.

She said: “Our team thoroughly enjoyed completing the Half Moon. It was uplifting and challenging, amongst many other emotions, and there was a tremendous feeling of unity throughout the night – the organisers and the volunteers were first class from start to finish.

“The warmth we experienced from the city of Edinburgh was immeasurable and we are also quite overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity of all our sponsors.

“By taking part in The MoonWalk, I hope I’ve raised awareness that it is possible for anyone newly diagnosed with breast cancer (or indeed secondary breast cancer) to still lead a relatively normal life.”

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk, said: “What an incredible night! It was wonderful to see so many people taking part, including a large number who were totally new to MoonWalking.

“Together, everyone was uniting not only to raise awareness of breast cancer, but also valuable funds which will help improve the lives of people across Scotland living with the disease.

“The collective pink hug from so many iconic buildings across Edinburgh which had lit up pink for the occasion was such a huge boost for our Walkers and Volunteers, as was the unseasonably warm weather!

“Keep helping us make a difference by signing up for The MoonWalk Scotland 2024!” 

Entries are already open for The MoonWalk Scotland on Saturday 7th September 2024. Sign up now www.walkthewalk.org

Breast cancer charity Walk the Walk funds vital support for people across Scotland affected by cancer

Breast cancer charity Walk the Walk has granted £50,000 to help reduce the waiting list for Scottish cancer patients, and their families, who are in desperate need of emotional and wellbeing support.

The funds will allow Cancer Support Scotland, based in the grounds of Glasgow’s Gartnavel Hospital, to provide 174 people with wellbeing support at the time when they need it most. The charity has seen a dramatic increase in referrals recently and is being contacted by up to a dozen new patients from across Scotland every single day.

The current waiting list for appointments is up to 12 weeks. Walk the Walk’s grant will allow people to get vital assistance much sooner, either online or at Cancer Support Scotland’s centre.

·         Counselling – providing patients with the tools to deal with their diagnosis

·         Complimentary therapy – in person sessions, designed with relaxation in mind 

·         Befriending – informal wellbeing calls to help reduce isolation, fear and anxiety

Walk The Walk – Moon Walk – Edinburgh. Picture Shows; Walkers set off from the start line of this years Moon Walk through the street of Edinburgh. Saturday 11 June 2022. ©Stuart Nicol Photography 2022


Entries are now open for The MoonWalk Scotland 2023, organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk.

On Saturday 9th September, thousands of women and men wearing decorated bras will set off from Holyrood Park in Edinburgh to walk an overnight half or full marathon through the streets of the capital.

Sign up now at www.walkthewalk.org

Michael MacLennan, Interim CEO of Cancer Support Scotland, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a £50,000 grant from Walk the Walk.

“We understand these are challenging times for everyone and these incredible funds will allow us to continue supporting those that need us, when they need us most.

“Each year we continue to see a rapid rise in demand for our services, and thanks to the generosity of Walk the Walk we’ll be able to provide 174 people with 6 vital wellbeing appointments.”

Susan (52) from Glasgow received counselling from Cancer Support Scotland, following her cancer diagnosis. She said: “My mood was very low and I was often feeling anxious. I was also spending a lot of time in my flat, not going out much and felt as if sometimes people didn’t understand why I wasn’t feeling great, as my treatment had ended.

“I didn’t understand that myself if I’m honest. I still struggle at times but I’ve received so much non-judgemental support, motivation, encouragement, and laughter (which is so important) through these sessions.”

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of breast cancer charity Walk the Walk said: “I was deeply upset to hear about the unacceptable length of time people are having to wait for wellbeing support, following their cancer diagnosis.

“Whilst 12 weeks might not seem very long in some people’s worlds, if you’ve just found out you have cancer, it’s a lifetime!

“In 2023, Walk the Walk is releasing £1 million to help fund innovative support like that provided by Cancer Support Scotland. It’s a tough time for cancer patients across Scotland, so I’m delighted that Walk the Walk has been able help so many people.”

Secondary breast cancer highlighted at Scottish Parliament

A charity supporting secondary breast cancer patients took its campaign to be heard to the Scottish Parliament from the 29th November to the 2nd December.

Edinburgh-based Make 2nds Count is highlighting the shocking toll of the disease which claims 1000 lives each month in the UK – an average of 31 deaths every day – and its pioneering Patient Trials Advocate service (PTA).

Make 2nds Count raises awareness of secondary breast cancer, a form of the disease which has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, it currently affects around 35,000 people in the UK. 

It is incurable but can be treated and the charity has developed the PTA service to introduce patients to clinical trials which can help to improve outcomes and extend life.

The initiative, the first of its kind in the UK, started in Scotland through nurses based in Edinburgh, the Borders, and the Highlands, and has recently been extended across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The Make 2nds Count team is in the parliament building for the next week staging an exhibition highlighting its work and the signs of secondary breast cancer.

Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count says: “Secondary breast cancer is a little-known form of the disease and we are delighted to have this opportunity to raise awareness of it and our work, particularly the Patient Trials Advocate service.

“We would like to thank the Scottish Parliament for the chance to get our message across to such an influential audience.”

To find out more about Make 2nds Count and the Patient Trials Advocate service visit: 

https://www.make2ndscount.co.uk/funding-research/patient-trials-advocate/ 

Photo Caption: MSPs pictured in the Scottish Parliament buildings on Wednesday 30th November supporting Make 2nds Count and their work campaigning for more research, support and education for the Secondary Breast Cancer community across the UK

Entries are now open for The MoonWalk Scotland 2023

Raise money for those living with breast and other cancers

On Saturday 9th September 2023, thousands of women and men will set off from Holyrood Park in Edinburgh to walk an overnight half or full marathon through the streets of the capital.

Walkers will be uniting to raise much needed awareness and money, which is granted towards research, prevention and supporting those living with cancer in Scotland.

Walkers can pick any theme from previous years to decorate their bra and add a sprinkle of silver.

Organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, The MoonWalk Scotland will be the final event in the charity’s trilogy of MoonWalks in 2023, following The MoonWalk London, at Clapham Common on Saturday 20th May and The MoonWalk Iceland, at Lake Myvatn on Tuesday 13th June.

For all the events, Walkers can choose between half and full marathons, as well as a virtual option to take on the MoonWalk in their local area.

Those looking to experience Scotland and London can enter both and receive a special 10% discount on entry.

For the ultimate challenge take on the 3 Land Challenge and do all three MoonWalks!

Sign up for The MoonWalk Scotland now at www.walkthewalk.org

Celebrating 25 years of MoonWalking!

Money raised by Walk the Walk through its MoonWalks is granted to help other charities and organisations across Scotland and the UK in their united aims.

The one and only iconic, original night-time walk – The MoonWalk London – was created in 1998 by Nina Barough CBE and celebrates 25 years of MoonWalking.

MoonWalks in Scotland (2006) and Iceland (2011) followed. All three MoonWalks are organised by the cancer charity Walk the Walk, founded by Nina.

Make 2nds Count to shine a light on secondary breast cancer

  • 23 venues will join campaign, designed to highlight the lack of awareness and support available for the incurable cancer
  • Three in ten UK adults who are either diagnosed or know a friend or family member with secondary breast cancer felt that research and support were insufficient and not readily available for patients or loved ones 

Make 2nds Count has confirmed that 23 landmarks from across the UK will join the newly launched ‘Shine a Light on Secondaries’ campaign, which has been coordinated to highlight the lack of awareness and support available across the UK for patients and their loved ones living with the incurable cancer.  

On 13th October 2022, venues including Camera Obscura, Granton Gas Tower, The Balmoral, Caird Hall and Blackpool Tower will shine brightly in the charity’s colours, pink, purple and teal, as part of the national campaign designed to “Shine a Light” on Secondary Breast Cancer Day, which is often overlooked amidst the wider narrative around Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).  

A YouGov survey commissioned this year by Make 2nds Count revealed that 29% of UK adults who are either diagnosed or know a friend or family member with secondary breast cancer felt that research and support were insufficient and not readily available for patients or loved ones. 

It also confirmed that only 23% of these UK respondents asked would look to the mainstream media as a source of information and support when dealing with secondary breast cancer, whilst a staggering 59% refer to charities offering one-to-one advice and personal experience. 

Heather Moffitt, a trustee of Make 2nds Count who is living with Stage 4 (metastatic) breast cancer, comments: “We desperately need people to be aware of this forgotten form of breast cancer. We need to change the narrative and raise so much more awareness around the signs and symptoms of this disease.  

“Secondary breast cancer is incurable and without further research and education, this disease will continue to destroy the lives of so many. That’s why we’ve joined forces with venues across the UK to mark a moment and Shine a Light on this disease and the important work that needs to be done.” 

The disease, also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, is a cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body and is incurable. On average there are around 35,000 patients in the UK currently living with this form of the disease. 

Make 2nds Count is a patient and family-focused charity dedicated to giving hope to women and men living with secondary breast cancer. 

Their mission is to fund secondary breast cancer research that contributes to advancing an increased quality of life for patients; establish a community that supports and educates patients and families affected by secondary breast cancer; inform and facilitate access to patient trials and to increase overall awareness of secondary breast cancer.    

For more information or support visit www.make2ndscount.co.uk/  

Edinburgh leads the way with breast cancer trials advocacy service

Bringing new hope to patients with the help of specialised nurses

Scotland is leading the way with an innovative service for secondary breast cancer patients. 

The Patient Trials Advocate service, (PTA) is the first of its kind in the UK, and it’s bringing fresh hope to those with the incurable cancer by introducing them to clinical trials which can help to improve outcomes and extend life. 

The initiative has been developed by charity Make 2nds Count which campaigns to raise awareness of, and fund research into, secondary breast cancer – a form of the disease which kills 1000 women in the UK each month but remains largely unknown. 

Also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, it is a cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body and can be treated but not cured.  On average there are around 35,000 patients in the UK currently living with this form of the disease. 

There is evidence that early access to innovative new treatment options can improve the outcomes of men and women with secondary breast cancer and the new, bespoke service, the first of its kind in the UK, sees specialist nurses support patients and link them up with clinical trials. 

The PTA scheme covers Scotland in its entirety through nurses based in Edinburgh, the Borders and the Highlands. Patients have an initial one-to-one, hour-long phone consultation with one of the nurses who can advise about clinical trials and answer any queries, search for suitable trials and support patients in discussing them with their clinician. 

“We know that many secondary breast cancer patients have never had a conversation with their clinician about clinical trials and we want to empower them to change that through our PTA service,” says PTA nurse Vivienne Wilson, a senior research nurse at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital. 

“We want to ensure that every patient with secondary breast cancer has the knowledge and the opportunity to discuss trials as part of their treatment pathway.  

“I’m delighted that the Patient Trials Advocate service is now being expanded to include the whole of Scotland. I’ve been working with Make 2nds Count for over a year now and I think this service really is one of a kind. I enjoy the opportunity to talk to many secondary breast cancer patients, sharing my knowledge with regards to available trials and guiding them to explore their options.” 

Since the service piloted last year more than 100 patients have been supported. Of those, 100% backed the initiative and 95% said they would talk to their clinician about the possibility of accessing clinical trials. 

One of those who knows only too well the benefits of a clinical trial is Edinburgh mum-of-four Lesley Stephen. Diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer out of the blue in 2014, the disease had already spread to her lungs, liver and bones.

Two years later she was told she had run out of treatment options.  But she subsequently got the chance to take part in a clinical trial and is still living with the disease six years later. 

Lesley says: “I had undergone 18 months of treatment, which was unsuccessful, when I heard of a friend who was taking part in a clinical trial. That inspired me and gave me hope that there just might be another option. 

“I researched potential trials myself, which was not easy, and I realised that there was a lack of awareness. But because of the trial I took part in, I have had another six years of life I never expected to have. This just shows why the patient advocacy service is so important. People need to know that there perhaps, is another possibility out there for them.” 

Make 2nds Count was founded by mum Lisa Fleming, 38, of Edinburgh, who had no previous breast cancer diagnosis, warning signs or lump when she was told she had secondary breast cancer.

Her aim is to support patients and families, educate and raise funds for research into the disease. So far the charity has raised more than £1million.  

To find out more about the Patient Trials Advocate service visit: 

https://www.make2ndscount.co.uk/funding-research/patient-trials-advocate/   

Welcome back, MoonWalk Scotland!

The MoonWalk Scotland made its long-awaited comeback in Edinburgh last night (Sat 11th June).

Women and men wearing brightly coloured bras – many decorated with this year’s “Your Hero” theme – set off from Holyrood Park for this year’s MoonWalk, the first “live” event since 2019.

Those taking part included “Team Holyboobs”, led by Christina McKelvie MSP, who has recently been treated for breast cancer (below). 

Over the last 15 years, this iconic night-time event, organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, has raised almost £22 million. The money is granted across Scotland, to help support those living with cancer.

During the pandemic, Walk the Walk gave £20,000 to the charity Cancer Support Scotland, to help fund its online services.

Previous grants have been made to Maggie’s Centres in Glasgow, Forth Valley and Airdrie and to the Breast Cancer Unit at Edinburgh’s West General Hospital.

Funds have also been given to hospitals across Scotland to purchase Scalp Coolers – amazing machines which help many people undergoing chemotherapy to keep their hair. 

Largest study for men with breast cancer launched

A new international consortium to uncover genes that lead to breast cancer in men has been launched at Queen’s University Belfast. 

The consortium, known as MERGE, will discover and characterise new genetic risk factors for male breast cancer by analysing DNA from 5,000 men. The DNA will be compared to that of 10,000 men without breast cancer, making it the largest study of its kind worldwide.    

By building a large international research resource for male breast cancer genetics, the MERGE team will develop a better understanding of the causes of breast cancer in men that may lead to new treatments for the disease. 

Lead researcher, Dr Nick Orr from the Patrick G Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, said: “We need to develop a better understanding of breast cancer in men in order to improve prevention, early detection and treatment.

“Having access to the large resource provided by the MERGE consortium will enable us to develop a deeper insight into the genetics and pathology of this rare disease.” 

Male breast cancer is a relatively rare disease that accounts for less than 1% of breast cancers diagnosed every year in the UK, equating to 400 new cases annually. 

The initiative is led by Queen’s and Sapienza University of Rome and supported by the US National Cancer Institute. 

Dr Kyle Thompson, from Queen’s who is also working on the project, added: “Over the three year project, we aim to fully analyse DNA from 5000 men with breast cancer.

“By comparing the genomes of men with breast cancer to those of healthy men, we hope to identify new genetic variants that cause the disease. This knowledge could help to identify men at risk of developing breast cancer.”  

Dr Orr added: “It is only through international collaborations such as ours that we will be better equipped to treat this rare type of cancer. We will share the data gathered with our research groups, working together to make real progress in this area.

“We also hope that this work will increase the visibility of male breast cancer and educate men about the risks, encouraging them to see their doctor if they have concerns about their health.” 

Professor Laura Ottini, from Sapienza University of Rome and co-lead researcher, said: “From our experience in male breast cancer research, we know how collaborative multidisciplinary efforts lead to increased understanding in the medical and scientific communities as well as the dissemination of information and awareness to the public.

“In this context, MERGE will provide a great opportunity for filling the knowledge gap concerning male breast cancer genetics and address unmet clinical need toward gender-specific risk prediction assessment.” 

Walk the Walk’s MoonWalk Scotland is back for 2022

  • The MoonWalk Scotland (LIVE): Sat 11th to Sun 12th June 2022
    From Midnight. Starting and Finishing at Holyrood Park
  • 6.55, 13.1, 26,2 or 52.4 miles
  • The MoonWalk Scotland (Virtual): Sat 11th June 2022
  • Daytime, in walkers’ local areas 6.55 miles, 13.1 miles, 26.2 or 52.4 miles
  • Theme: Your Hero!
  • Entries open now at walkthewalk.org​​​​​​​


The 2022 long-awaited MoonWalk Scotland will be back for the first time since 2019, raising money and awareness for those living with breast and other cancers.

This iconic fundraising event on Saturday 11th June is organised by grant-making breast cancer charity Walk the Walk. For the first time ever, the Virtual MoonWalk Scotland will kick off the day, followed by the LIVE MoonWalkers picking up the baton and pounding through the streets of Edinburgh after midnight!

Whilst the cheer and unity of all those taking part will warm the capital pink, they will be joined in spirit by many others across the UK, and the world, helping to make a real difference to the lives of people living with breast and other cancers. Having both a LIVE and Virtual challenge means there is something for everyone to take on a challenge of their choice, in a location of their choice.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said; “I am absolutely thrilled that The MoonWalk Scotland is back and for the first time in two years bringing people together again.

“This iconic, joyful event creates such an amazing feeling across Edinburgh, filling the streets of the city with colour and fun. Covid has had a devastating impact on those living with cancer and whilst our ability to raise funds has been very limited, we have continued to make smaller grants to charities that really needed help.

“It is so important that people do come together to take part, not only is every step a healthy one for the participant, it will be making a difference to those who need help now.

“We all need something to look forward to, so with the LIVE and Virtual options, it means that friends and family can unite in the cause wherever they are, but choose the option that suits them. And in true Walk the Walk style if many people do their little bit, we can do so much!”

To sign up for The MoonWalk Scotland 2022 or to make a donation go to:

walkthewalk.org