Tag: breast cancer

JOG FOR JUGS: Lorraine Kelly launches breast cancer campaign

Jog for Jugs, a new campaign aimed at raising awareness and money for breast cancer officially launches today (Saturday 10th April) in a bid to encourage men, women and non-binary individuals to check themselves so that cancers can be caught and treated early.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1380777723744899074

A star-studded, tongue-in-cheek, video to promote the campaign, introduced by the nation’s sweetheart, Lorraine Kelly and featuring other Scottish personalities including model Emma-Louise Connolly, actress Joanna Vanderham and presenter Lee McKenzie, has been released to mark the launch.

Inspired by her mum’s courageous response to her own breast cancer diagnosis last August, Dundonian, Becky Chapple hopes to encourage others to check themselves regularly and seek medical support straight away if anything feels abnormal.

Becky commented: “Throughout the pandemic, fewer and fewer people have been visiting the doctor when they find concerning changes to their boobs or pecs which is a real and worrying problem.

“Jog for Jugs is our small way of first and foremost encouraging everyone to check themselves, then jogging or walking 8km to raise vital funds for CoppaFeel!, a brilliant charity which raises awareness of breast cancer in young people and the importance of early detection.”

Jog for Jugs will be promoted across social media, with participants encouraged to jog or walk 8km, donate £8 to CoppaFeel!, check their boobs or pecs and nominate 8 friends to do the same by sharing a selfie of themselves with their hand on their chest and tagging their pals’ social handles.

The number ‘8’ symbolizes the devastating statistic that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Becky added: “While we are, of course, hoping to raise some vital funds for CoppaFeel! the campaign is more about awareness than anything else.  

“We want people to know all of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and we specifically want to dispel the myth that if lumps are painful, they’re unlikely to be cancerous – any unusual changes are worth getting checked out.

“My family feel very fortunate that mum discovered her cancer early and we want to give everyone else the chance to do the same by spotting any changes in their boobs and seeking medical advice, regardless of lockdown.”

CoppaFeel! aims to ensure that all breast cancers are diagnosed at the earliest stage possible by educating people on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, encouraging them to check regularly and instilling the confidence to seek medical referral if they detect abnormalities.

Currently 5% of diagnosed cases are already at stage IV with breast cancer being the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 30 in the UK (181 new cases diagnosed and 12 deaths annually). CoppaFeel! is the third most recognized breast cancer charity amongst young people and those aware of CoppaFeel! are 58% more likely to check their boobs regularly than those not aware.

The charity’s recent research showing that a worrying 2 in 5 young people are avoiding contact with the NHS due to coronavirus, prove that normalising chest checking and empowering young people to speak to their doctors about any concerns has never been more important.

Katie from CoppaFeel!, commented, “We are thrilled to be supported by the Jog For Jugs campaign. The work that Becky and her friends in the team have put into this project is truly inspirational, and the awareness and funds it will raise in aid of CoppaFeel! will help us in our mission to stamp out the late detection of breast cancer. 

“The generous support of everyone involved will make a huge difference to our work in educating and empowering young people. After such a trying year, it is important now more than ever to spread awareness of the importance of getting to know your body, checking regularly and speaking to your GP if you notice any concerning changes.”

To donate to the Jog For Jugs Campaign please visit:

 https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jogforjugs 

and follow the journey on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Cancer couldn’t stop Ellie chasing her nursing ambition

Courageous student gets her degree and the job of her dreams

A former prison officer and bank worker whose eyes were opened to the possibilities of a career in nursing by her own serious illness has graduated from Edinburgh Napier University.

Ellie Lamb was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer five years ago while working at HMP Addiewell in West Lothian.

Following surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she struggled to keep up with the demands of the prison job, and decided to retrain as a nurse – partly motivated by the quality of care she had herself received in hospital.

Ellie completed a distance learning Higher in human biology to add to her earlier HND in psychology and criminology, and, armed with these qualifications, she was accepted at Edinburgh Napier in 2017. However, her path to a Bachelor of Nursing degree in adult nursing, which she successfully completed this week, has been far from plain sailing.

Last year she was re-diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, leading to more chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but she refused to abandon her summer placement with a West Lothian district nursing team.

Mother-of-three Ellie, 49, of Armadale, said: “Apart from the time off to have my treatment I never missed a day, and I also developed a love for wound management. By the end of my placement I was given a run of my own, attending patients with minor injuries.

“I often thought about giving up – it was hard, with the treatment, my placement, and my family and study commitments. I was exhausted and in so much pain but my love of nursing and my desire to carry on and get my degree drove me on.”

This year’s Covid-19 pandemic brought fresh concerns.  As a shielded patient, Ellie had to seek special permission to complete a ‘low-risk’ community hospital placement to remain on target to graduate.

Now she has been rewarded for her outstanding courage and perseverance with both a degree and a permanent job as a staff nurse at Tippethill House Hospital in Armadale.

Ellie said: “I chose to be a nurse, and that was a commitment to care for people who needed it regardless of the risk to myself. 

“My new job at Tippethill offers everything I enjoy – care of the elderly, wound management and also end-of-life care which I am really enthusiastic about. 

“I’m not sure what the future holds for me. I will fight and work for as long as I can, doing a job I love.  It’s just a shame that it took my own illness to open my eyes to nursing. I wish I had done it years ago.”

Emma Trotter, Edinburgh Napier’s field lead in adult nursing, said: “I have personally and professionally been moved and inspired over the last three years by Ellie Lamb, not only as a brilliant student nurse but as a role model for the nursing profession.

“Ellie’s determination, enthusiasm, energy and hard work to achieve her goal to be a trained nurse while facing her own health concerns were all an example of her passion to make a difference to the lives of the people she cares for.

“Her story has touched all our hearts within the BN programme, both staff and students, and we would like to take this opportunity to wish her the very best for her future career as a staff nurse.” 

Men’s Health Week – “I never thought I would get breast cancer”

What better time for 14 men to get together with one voice to highlight that Men can get breast cancer too – than Men’s Health Week (15th – 21st June).

“I never thought that I would get breast cancer” – for many men it is a complete shock, as often they don’t even know that men can get breast cancer too!

Although the number of men affected by breast cancer is much lower than for women, the mortality rate for primary breast cancer in men is high in comparison, due to lack of awareness and late detection. Every year, 370* men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK and 81* men die of the disease.

Two years ago, six men who had all had the disease, joined forces with breast cancer charity Walk the Walk and created the Men get breast cancer too! campaign, determined to raise awareness and to hopefully save lives. When they all met each other, it was the first time that such a number had ever been together in the UK.

As a result, they have worked together on several campaigns and have all been busy putting up posters (until Covid-19), advising men how to Check their Chests.

Now more men have joined the original six, all united in sharing their experiences. Their aim is that eventually everybody will know that men get breast cancer:

Andy Manson – Reading (Stage four breast cancer, which had spread to lymph nodes)

“I’d been experiencing a stabbing pain in my left nipple for months but ignored it – it was my wife Michelle who forced me to go to the doctor.

The speed with which the GP referred me to the breast clinic at the Royal Berkshire Hospital was my first inkling that something was wrong. I was aware at the time that men could get breast cancer – I knew it existed, but I didn’t know what to check for. I had no lump which I could feel – so at the time, I ruled it out. I thought there always had to be a lump.

When I got my diagnosis – it’s like the clichẾ – you never expect it to be you.”

Amrik Rhall – Leeds (Diagnosed with a 2.5 cm tumour, in the early stages of breast cancer)

“My girlfriend Shirelle had pointed out a lump on my chest, I was able to feel it myself, but I decided it was probably nothing to worry about.
Shirelle wasn’t happy to just forget about it. Undeterred, she wasted no time in booking a doctor’s appointment for me. Despite my objections to going, I eventually relented.

A short consultation and check-over later, the doctor had come to a similar conclusion as me. He told me he was 90% sure that there were no problems and that the lump would simply be a cyst, but sent me for a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy.

I was 100% not expecting the result I received one week later, I nearly fainted!”

Dave Gill – Blandford Forum, Dorset (15 mm tumour in left breast. Diagnosed with Grade 2, ER Positive, Her2 negative carcinoma)

“My wife Kalaya and I were in Thailand checking out hotels for our daughter’s wedding. I spent a lot of time driving around and found that the car seat belt was rubbing on my chest and making it sore. I found a small lump next to my left nipple and we assumed that it was probably a blocked cyst.

On my return to the UK, both my GP and the consultant at Poole General Hospital thought it was a cyst too, but arranged for me to have a minor operation to remove it. I was wheeled out of the theatre and the surgeon told me she had found a small tumour and had just sewn me back up again.

Surprised is an understatement. I didn’t have a clue that men could get breast cancer and it hadn’t even been mentioned to me at all as being a possibility before this point.

I had been treated for minor skin cancers for years, so I wasn’t frightened by the concept of having cancer – it was breast cancer that scrambled my mind, how could I have it?”

Bryan Thorn – Baglan, Port Talbot (Diagnosed with a grade 2, 3cm invasive ductal carcinoma in right breast, with malignant tissue in the lymph nodes)

“I noticed a lump in my right breast when I was showering. I wasn’t checking myself, I didn’t even know men were supposed to check their chest area. I wasn’t naive enough to think men couldn’t get breast cancer, but it wasn’t something you heard much about.

“I made an appointment with my GP straight away, who checked the lump and the area around it, and referred me to the breast clinic. The consultant I saw had a prod around the lump area, told me it was fatty tissue and that there was nothing to worry about.

“12-14 months later, I noticed the lump was getting bigger, the nipple became inverted, and I started to get discharge from it and it also became painful to touch.

“I went back to my GP who quickly referred me back to the breast clinic. Within 10 minutes of my breast clinic appointment, I was going for a biopsy and a mammogram, and I was told it was likely to be breast cancer. It was.

“It was very surreal and a bit of a whirlwind. I think my first reaction was relief at being told the cancer was treatable”.

Dave Talbot – Olveston, Bristol (Had a lump the size of a golf ball – diagnosed with hormone receptive breast cancer)

“I found a lump between my nipple and armpit, it wasn’t sore and it wasn’t hard, I just thought it was a boil. I didn’t tell anyone about the lump – not even my partner.

I wasn’t aware that men should check their breasts, but I was acutely aware that if your body changes, you shouldn’t leave it.

I went to see my GP, who checked the area and said it was quite common for men to get fatty deposits, but she referred me to a specialist. It was at this point that I told my partner about the lump.

When I saw the consultant he took a biopsy there and then, and it went straight to the lab as a matter of urgency.

I wasn’t shocked to hear I had cancer, but my first instinct was ‘how long have I got? Is it going to kill me?’ I defy anybody who receives a cancer diagnosis not to be a bit scared.”

Richard Galloway – Wirral, Merseyside (Diagnosed with an 8mm ductal carcinoma)

“Initially, when I was getting irritation in the area around my nipple, I thought I had jogger’s nipple. Then, in the shower, I noticed a lump just below my left nipple – something to be more concerned about.

A week or so later at the doctors. I was told it was probably a cyst, and to come back in a couple of weeks if it was still there.

I waited five weeks before going back for a follow-up as I felt there was a lack of urgency. I was referred to the breast clinic for a biopsy.

I didn’t even know that men could get breast cancer, mainly because I’d just never had to think about it. When I was diagnosed, I must admit I thought “why me? what’s wrong with me?”

David Aggett from Henstridge, Somerset (Diagnosed with breast cancer, which has spread to his lungs)

“I’m a vet and found a tiny lump smaller than a pea under my right nipple after I got crushed and bruised by a cow. I gave it a couple of weeks to go away – then went to the GP.

It took a second biopsy to make the diagnosis, which sent alarm bells ringing, plus during that time my nipple started to invert. So when I got to the surgeon’s office, I would have been surprised to be told it wasn’t breast cancer.

As a very practical person and as the diagnosis wasn’t a surprise, I had prepared for the news.

After maybe 20 seconds of silence and numbness, I just wanted to get on and sort it out. What are we going to do? When’s surgery? What about chemo? When will I return to work? Etc.!!”

Alan Herbert – Scharnegoutum, The Netherlands (Diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma Stage 3 cancer with lymph-gland involvement).

“Cancer? That diagnosis hadn’t even crossed my mind!

I was strong and healthy, I was a long distance runner and I am also a registered nurse and sport masseuse.

I knew men could get breast cancer – in fact, I had worked on a breast surgery ward and had run an oncology clinic.

After finding a lump beside my nipple, which I thought was probably a cyst, I made an appointment with my doctor. She examined me and said, “Well I don’t think it’s cancer as it’s smooth, but I’ll send you for a mammogram just to be safe.

I also had a biopsy taken from the lump and a sample from the lymph gland. This hadn’t been planned so I asked the technician “off the record” how it looked. He said “50/50,” but he lied.

I wasn’t surprised at the diagnosis, but disappointed that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes”.

Glenn Cooper – Fareham, Hampshire (Diagnosed with breast cancer which has since spread)

“I had a persistent cough that had lasted a few weeks before I visited the doctor. My wife Marguerite insisted that I go and get something to fix it.

As the doctor was writing out my prescription, I asked him to check a lump that I had felt on my chest behind my nipple a few weeks earlier.

After a quick examination, the doctor concluded the lump was probably nothing serious, but referred me for more checks. A mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy came next. Each doctor that I saw was confident that the lump was nothing to worry about as there was no history of cancer within the family, yet just one week after my first appointment, I was given the news that the lump was, in fact, breast cancer.

My diagnosis of breast cancer came as a huge shock; I had heard somewhere that men could get breast cancer, but had never even thought about getting it myself. However, I remained calm and pragmatic about the diagnosis, quickly focussing on what steps I needed to take for treatment”.

Mark James – Porthcawl (Diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer)

“I noticed one day that my left nipple didn’t look quite the same as my right nipple; it was slightly wonky in comparison. It looked as though the nipple was folded over, but it wasn’t really a bother; I was more concerned with a hernia I had at the time.

When I had a pre-op for my hernia I took my top off in front of the nurse who told me that I should get the nipple looked at. I went straight to the surgery and saw the next available doctor who wanted to refer me. Less than a week later I was having a mastectomy to remove my breast cancer.

It didn’t surprise me – it just made me more curious. After my wife’s own diagnosis with breast cancer, I’d done some reading on the subject so I knew men could be affected.”

Mark O’Connor – Cork, Ireland (Diagnosed after finding a 2 inch lump on his nipple)

“I was in bed, on holiday when I found a lump on my left nipple. At first I just thought I had knocked it, as I was working as a builder at the time so was used to getting bashed about a bit. The lump started changing shape so I spoke to my wife, Tina, and arranged an appointment with my doctor. He didn’t give me any indication that I could have breast cancer, but I was referred to the Breast Clinic straight away.

About a week later, I had a mammogram and a biopsy that same day at Cork University Hospital (CUH). The lump was rock hard and two inches in size, so the specialist I saw was alarmed.

I received my results the following week – I had breast cancer. I remember my consultant looking shocked, but we both wanted to get on with the treatment. I needed a mastectomy of the left breast, and the operation was booked in for a week later.

When I was given the diagnosis, I was taken aback, I didn’t know men could get breast cancer, nor did my wife. “

Giles Cooper – Conderton, Gloucestershire (Diagnosed with cancer in his right breast)

“Because of my family history, I’d started checking my chest. My father was 77 when he died from breast cancer, he was from the generation of men who never really discussed medical issues. Until my father was diagnosed, I didn’t have any idea that men could get breast cancer.

I discovered a lump in my right breast, hidden right behind the nipple. I ignored it to start with, but eventually had it checked out by my doctor, having been encouraged by my wife, who’s a nurse.

Although I was expecting the worst, the news that I did have breast cancer was still an immense shock.”

Roy Collins – Bexhill-on-Sea (Diagnosed with a 6cm tumour, which had spread to his lymph nodes)

“My wife caught me getting out of the shower one day. She is a nurse and noticed that my nipple was inverted. I hadn’t been conscious of it and it certainly didn’t hurt.

She sent me packing to the doctor’s and from there I was sent to the hospital for tests including a biopsy.

My inverted right nipple had been caused by a lump behind the nipple, which my surgeon told me had been growing for probably six months.

I didn’t know that men could get breast cancer and certainly didn’t check myself.

When I was diagnosed, I just turned to the consultant and said ‘if you need to take my breast off, give me radiotherapy, chemo – just do it. Just get rid of it!’ “

Mike Greenhalgh (Diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer and is BRCA2 positive)

“I discovered two lumps in my breasts – one on each side, a small lump near my left nipple and a smaller swelling on my right breast, whilst I was in the shower. I hadn’t been checking myself, so it was completely by accident. After a couple of months my wife, both of us were GPs, prompted me to speak to my own doctor. I have Parkinson’s and we thought it might be a side effect of my medication.

My GP referred me to a consultant and I had a biopsy – a few days later, my consultant said he wanted to see me. He told me that I had breast cancer, I was very surprised, I hadn’t even contemplated that it might be breast cancer. I had been a GP for 27 years, but had never seen a case of breast cancer in men at my surgery, nor had my own GP. I felt the need to be strong to reassure those close to me, but also to remain positive about the outcome of my disease.

I’m one of five children and have an identical twin, Bill. After my diagnosis, I and all my siblings were tested for BRCA. Myself, my older brother and twin brother tested positive for BRCA2 as did one of my sisters. My other sister tested negative”.

*Breast Cancer Now, June 2020

Its May, it’s spring and it should be the start of MoonWalk Season!

Whilst the iconic MoonWalks are on hold, organisers breast cancer charity Walk the Walk are inviting people from all over the U.K. to put on their walking shoes and join them on a virtual MoonWalk Celebration Road Trip.  

To mark the dates of The MoonWalk London on 16th May, The MoonWalk Scotland on 6th June and The MoonWalk Iceland on 13th June, this virtual road trip is a 29 day journey. It will start at Clapham Common in London, continuing via Holyrood Park in Edinburgh and finishing with a grand celebration at Lake Myvatn in Iceland.

The virtual route is 1,190 miles, as the crow flies and people wanting to support the charity can choose how many miles that they want to walk. The aim is to get as many people to Iceland as possible on 13th June, observing social distancing guidelines, of course.

Walkers can choose to take on 2 miles each day, 3 miles a day or 5 miles each day for 29 days or pick ‘n’ mix their own distance and time.

There is no cost for joining and fundraising is optional, but should they want to, those taking part can open a fundraising page and anyone can show their support by making a donation.

The entire Walk the Walk Team is setting off on the road trip and walking at least 2 miles a day for the 29 days.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said; “With our 3 MoonWalks sadly on hold, we just could not let the days pass without some kind of celebration.

“So, all of us at Walk the Walk along with as many people as we can get to join us, are very excited to be setting off … virtually of course on ‘The MoonWalk Celebration Road Trip’.

“In these unsettled times we all need a bit of fun, and this really is fun for everyone. It is free to enter and a great incentive for women, men and children to get out into the fresh air with a fun goal … meanwhile, Walk the Walk hope to raise some much needed funds for those living with cancer who need it now more than ever, so a great exchange.

“After all, how often can you say that you are walking from London to Scotland and then onto Iceland … Join this magical journey now and expect a few surprises along the way!”

The MoonWalk Scotland presents Stars on Stage

Breast cancer charity, Walk the Walk is calling on artists, singers and performers from across the country to take up the opportunity of performing on stage at The MoonWalk Scotland 2020. 

Whether it is singing in a choir, a solo, playing in a band or doing a soft shoe shuffle – for one night only, the stage could be yours!

Perhaps your specialty is something completely different – this is your chance to perform on Saturday 6th June in front of a large enthusiastic audience of walkers at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, before they set off on their MoonWalk Scotland challenge.

By being part of Stars on Stage not only will you be showcasing your talents to many people, but also motivating them before their midnight challenge commences, you will be making a difference to people living with cancer in Scotland.

Nina Barough CBE, Chief Executive and Founder of Walk the Walk said:
“We are so excited to launch Stars on Stage at this year’s MoonWalk! We hope this encourages people from across Scotland to enter this night of opportunity.

“Open to anyone aged 10 and over, we want soloists, double acts, groups and troops to be part of what is going to be a fantastic evening which raises hundreds of thousands of pounds to support people living with cancer in Scotland. To find out more, visit our website www.walkthewalk.org.”

This year marks the 15th MoonWalk Scotland. Since the event started in 1996, it has raised almost ÂŁ22 million.

Don’t miss your opportunity to audition for Stars on Stage at this year’s MoonWalk Scotland. Closing date for applications is Friday 3 April 2020.

Find out more and sign up now: www.walkthewalk.org

Woman who battled breast cancer takes on MoonWalk Scotland

Kirsten Griew, 41, from Portobello, Edinburgh is hoping to inspire people to join her at this year’s MoonWalk Scotland, organised by breast cancer charity, Walk the Walk.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2016, Kirsten was treated at The Breast Cancer Institute at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital which has benefitted from several Walk the Walk grants, thanks to money raised through The MoonWalk Scotland.

The grant from Walk the Walk funded the renovation of Ward 6, a new theatre and renovation of the Mammography Unit at the Breast Cancer unit at the Hospital. As well as this, the charity provided a grant for 8 Cold Cap systems, special machines which are helping many people undergoing chemotherapy to retain their hair.

Kirsten said: “The nurses at The Breast Cancer Institute were amazing throughout my treatment and it was there that I first heard about the Cold Caps.

“The idea of losing my hair during chemo was horrible, so it was great to hear that there was a way of potentially keeping all, or some of it, by using the Cold Cap.

“It was at the hospital that I saw a leaflet for The MoonWalk Scotland. I’d heard about the event before and always wanted to take part, but seeing the leaflet and personally benefitting from services that have been funded as a result of people doing The MoonWalk gave me the motivation I needed to sign up.

“The MoonWalk is brilliant fun – it has such a wonderful atmosphere and the feeling as you cross the finish line is indescribable! Fantastic causes benefit from the money raised and help people just like me. I can’t wait to take part again this year!”

Now in its 15th year, The MoonWalk Scotland, has to date raised nearly ÂŁ22 million. This money is granted towards supporting people living with cancer in Scotland.

The charity is celebrating all things ‘music’ at this year’s MoonWalk on Saturday 6th June –  Walkers could be inspired by pop stars, rock legends, disco divas or musicals, as they decorate their bras to showcase at one of Edinburgh’s most iconic nights.

Setting from Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Walkers can take on one of four challenges at The MoonWalk Scotland; 10K New Moon (open to people aged 10 and over), Half Moon (13.1 miles), Full Moon (26.2 miles) or Over the Moon (52.4 miles).

Don’t miss The MoonWalk Scotland, Saturday 6th June. Power Walk through the streets of Edinburgh at Midnight wearing a decorated bra, as you raise money and awareness for breast cancer charity, Walk the Walk.

Sign up now: www.walkthewalk.org 

Men Get Breast Cancer Too

Ahead of World Cancer Day on Tuesday 4th February, breast cancer charity Walk the Walk is delighted to announce a partnership with the Male Breast Cancer Coalition in the United States.

The two charities are uniting in their mission to raise awareness that Men Get Breast Cancer Too.

Every year, 370* men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK and 81* men die of the disease. In the United States, 2,620** men are diagnosed annually, and 520** will die. Men face a higher mortality rate from breast cancer than women, due to a lack of awareness.

Walk the Walk has been working with a group of men for more than two years, highlighting that while the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer is much higher, it is a disease which can affect men as well.

The UK charity recently launched a downloadable awareness poster, encouraging men to “Check your Chest”, to spot the signs of breast cancer. Men taking part in Walk the Walk’s fundraising challenges wear a special pink t-shirt with a blue bra printed on it.

The Male Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) is based in the United States and shares the stories of men from all over the world, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The aim of the MBCC is to provide resources for men and their families, navigating their way through what is usually a women’s only club. The charity visits high schools and colleges across the United States spreading the word and educating audiences.

Uniting together, Walk the Walk and the MBCC hope to reach millions more people across the globe with their awareness message.

Roy Collins (above) was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and has been working with Walk the Walk to raise awareness for the last couple of years.

He said: “I was really pleased to hear that Walk the Walk, who I have worked with for a few years helping to raise awareness of breast cancer in men, are going into partnership with the Male Breast Cancer Coalition.

“Anything that can help men feel less alone by sharing their stories and experiences is a great move forward in the fight against breast cancer. I hope this new partnership also encourages more men to check themselves for symptoms”.

Cheri Ambrose, Founder of the Male Breast Cancer Coalition said: “We are honoured to be joining forces with Walk the Walk to help promote awareness of breast cancer in men.  

“It is through education that we will be able to break the gender stigma that breast cancer holds and give men a fighting chance against the disease”.

If you’re a man who has had breast cancer, Walk the Walk and the MBCC would love to hear from you. Please email pr@walkthewalk.org 

Make Blue Monday a new kind of Monday – get walking and boost your mental health

The organisers of The MoonWalk Scotland, health charity Walk the Walk, are urging women and men across the country to get walking – to boost their mental health. 

Blue Monday is traditionally the third Monday in January and is dubbed the most depressing day of the year. After the excesses of the festive season, money worries, failed New Year’s resolutions and the cold, dark winter weather can take their toll on the mental health of many people.

Whilst walking is recognised as a near perfect way to keep fit and maintain a healthy weight, benefits for our emotional well-being are often overlooked. When we exercise, we release feel-good hormones known as endorphins into our bloodstream.

This natural high helps reduce stress and anxiety, calming and relaxing both the body and mind. Particularly at a time of year when money is tight, walking is one of the most accessible types of exercise around. It costs nothing, and can be done at anytime and anywhere.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Executive of Walk the Walk and organiser of The MoonWalk Scotland said: “Walking really is one of the most perfect forms of exercise there is – physically, it tones your body, strengthens your muscles and keeps your heart healthy.

“But it’s crucial for our mental health too. Going out for a daily walk can help reduce tension, stress and anxiety, which is an issue for so many of us, particularly at this time of the year. It sounds perverse, but this can be the best time of the year to get out walking, as the worse the weather is, the better it feels. It’s really empowering – as long as you’ve got the right clothes of course! Walking is a type of exercise which you can build up slowly – no matter your ability and it really is a cure for the January blues. Why not give yourself a goal and sign up for a walking challenge like The MoonWalk. Often having something to aim for can boost motivation and drive you to keep going!”

Lucie Joels has secondary breast cancer and completed The MoonWalk with a group of friends. She says that walking is incredibly important for her mental health: “For me, living with cancer, getting out of the house and walking is grounding. It’s an opportunity to look at the bigger picture.

“I’m in the fifth cycle of my latest round of chemotherapy, but when I am able, just walking the dog, watching the sunrise and seeing the clouds move across the sky is amazing. Yesterday I manage 4,000 steps and I was very happy with that – I feel like I’m winning!

“Being outside I am just a tiny part in a huge world whilst when I’m indoors I’m a big part of my small world and occasionally that can be overwhelming. I strongly believe that there is always something good in every day, no matter how small it seems. Sometimes it would be easy to get stuck in the gloom and have a pity-party, but I try not to stay there long enough to put the bunting up!”

The MoonWalk Scotland is an iconic night-time fundraising event, which sees women and men wearing brightly decorated bras as they walk 10K, 13.1 miles, 26.2 mile or 52.4 miles through the streets of Edinburgh at Midnight.

Walk the Walk makes grants to fund both research into breast cancer and to help improve the lives of those living with cancer now.

The MoonWalk Scotland 2020 takes places on Saturday 6th June.

Sign up at www.walkthewalk.org 

Moonwalker Lynn says she’ll go back for more!

From Girl Power … to Power Walking! As the internationally renowned Spice Girls finished ‘zig-a-zig-ah-ing’ the City of Edinburgh last Saturday night, another extravaganza was hitting the streets of the Capital – The MoonWalk Scotland.

The world famous decorated bras were the highlight of the night! Women and men were inspired by this year’s special “Circus” theme, creating colourful bras that had passers-by checking to see if the Big Top really had come to town!

Organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, what at first glance may have looked like a bit of fun, really was a huge challenge. Children aged 10 and over walked 6.5 miles – many taking part in their first charity event – women and men walked half and full marathons and a few completed a double marathon 52.4 miles, all starting at Midnight!

Throughout the years, many celebrities have created bras to help Walk the Walk raise awareness, from the Spice Girls in 1997, to this year’s bras signed by The Proclaimers, Tunnock’s and Val McDermid and created by various designers.  These bras are used in exhibitions to highlight the fight against breast cancer.

Now in its 23rd year, Walk the Walk has raised over ÂŁ131 million (ÂŁ21.5 million in Scotland).

Helping to add to that total this year is Edinburgh woman Lynn Laing.

“I decided to do my first Moonwalk this year to celebrate me going into my 10th year clear of breast cancer in January next year”, said Lynn. “I have always wanted to do it my never thought that I would get round the course.

“I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer which had spread to my lymph nodes in January 2010. I had a right mastectomy, 6 rounds of chemotherapy, 4 weeks of radiotherapy and 18 sessions of the drug Herceptin.

“I was exhausted but just took it a day at a time though the toughest of times.  I am now going to be celebrating a decade soon which is something I did not think I would ever get to.

“I did the moonwalk with my friend and neighbour Colette – and I have signed up for next years to celebrate!”

Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk, Nina Barough CBE said: “The MoonWalk Scotland 2019 was the most awe-inspiring night! Having all our ten year old walkers on the stage, full of excitement at their very first Walk the Walk challenge was just wonderful.

“I explained the importance of what the youngsters were doing and I think it shocked people to imagine that they will be in their forties by the time we expect to have a cure for breast cancer. I think that reason alone should keep people walking, so that we can give their generation the chance of life, which currently doesn’t exist.

“It was very clear that people had really trained and it was just so overwhelming impressive. Currently, we’re hoping to raise in excess of around half a million pounds – watch this space!”