Clarence House reception to celebrate 20 years
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Patron of Walk the Walk, hosted a reception for distinguished guests and supporters to mark 20 years since Nina Barough CBE walked the walk at the New York Marathon and took the first steps towards what is now the largest grant-making breast cancer charity in the UK.
Every year, thousands of women and men wearing decorated bras take part in the charity’s flagship MoonWalk events, plus other challenges, which have raised over £113 million to date. Much of this has been granted to a number of benefiting charities.
Speaking at the 20th Anniversary reception at Clarence House on Wednesday, His Royal Highness said: “It was a pleasure seeing you all and I wanted to wish Walk the Walk a very Happy 20th Birthday, and above all to congratulate dear Nina on this amazing achievement. I don’t think she ever imagined it would keep going as long as this when it first started. It is an astonishing achievement to have raised £113 million.”
Among those present at the reception were some of Walk the Walk’s high profile and long-term supporters, including Ambassador actress Harriet Thorpe and comedian and Actress Jennifer Saunders.
At the event, His Royal Highness cut a special 20th year birthday cake, met with volunteers, fundraisers, Walk the Walk staff, and many others who have helped the charity on its journey to become what it is today. The Tootsie Rollers also performed the official Walk the Walk song.
Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk, said: “What an amazing day! It was very lovely to bring together a group of people that have played a fundamental part in Walk the Walk existing. Some of them were there right at the beginning and others who have helped along the way. It was very special to spend time with our Patron today – he is such a kind and generous person.
“Just for a moment we can stand and celebrate our achievements over the past 20 years before we get back to the business of organising more events.”
Others present included Reggie Ramskill-Pugh who took part in the very first MoonWalk in 1997 and Carol Ardill, who volunteers at Walk the Walk’s Head Office.
Carol said: “It was a truly memorable occasion to meet His Royal Highness and to be alongside so many people who have worked together to raise so much money for breast cancer causes over the last 20 years. I love volunteering and being part of the Walk the Walk team, and to be invited to this amazing celebration was such a special treat”.
The Prince of Wales last held a reception for Walk the Walk in 2007. Prior to this, he hosted an event at Highgrove in 2001, and in more recent years has regularly sent messages of support to our MoonWalks and supporters.
Since 1996 Walk the Walk has granted funds to charities including; Breast Cancer Now, Penny Brohn UK, FACT, Maggie’s Cancer Care Centres, Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, Tenovus, Breast Cancer Haven, and The Christie Hospital. The charity also has its own special project, providing funding to hospitals across the UK to purchase Scalp Cooling systems, special machines which help many people undergoing chemotherapy to retain their hair.
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