Tag: cancer

Greene King pubs across Scotland raise record-breaking £193,743 to help people living with cancer

  • Huge charitable effort from Greene King pubs across Scotland as they raise a phenomenal £193,743 for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2022
  • Greene King’s total raised for Macmillan Cancer Support tops an incredible £3million in 2022, the highest 12-month total
  • Greene King has raised over £14million during its10-year partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support 

Greene King pubs across Scotland raised an amazing £193,743 for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2022 to help people living with cancer.

The brilliant fundraising efforts by pub teams and the generous support of customers means that the money raised can be used to support the 155 Macmillan professionals currently funded by the charity across Scotland such as specialist dietitians, therapists and the iconic Macmillan nurse. 

Greene King, the UK’s leading pub company and brewer, has now raised a staggering £14million for Macmillan over its 10-year charity partnership. The tenth year marked a record breaking £3million annual total for the charity. This equates to £342 raised every hour in 2022, which is enough to fund a Macmillan nurse for a whole day.

There was an outstanding effort from kind-hearted regulars and team members at Greene King’s Smiddy Inn in Cumbernauld where a phenomenal £12,518 was raised over the past year.

There was a busy calendar of fundraising events at the popular Ben Lawers Drive pub involving the pub team, regulars and the wider community. Highlights included walking the Rob Roy, the family fun day and taking part in the Edinburgh Tartan Track as well as a host of raffles, hampers, quizzes and bingo nights.

Julia Hutton, general manager of the Smiddy Inn, said: “We are just so proud of everyone’s efforts here at the pub. We were determined to pull out all the stops and set our targets high. And we did it!

“This really was a team effort. The fun days, craft days and Christmas market were great. At every event we have a raffle table, it’s simple but effective and keeps the money rolling in. We go around the pub with collection buckets and people are always happy to pop some money in.

“Our thanks go out to everyone who works here and all our customers. What a year it has been. We have a wall chart showing what we have raised so everyone can see the progress we are making. We’ve had fun in our fundraising and it’s been great to do our bit. Let’s see what we can do in 2023!”

Alison Ramsay, senior social impact manager at Greene King, said: “This is proof that charity really is at the heart of all our pubs. What better way is there to celebrate our 10-year partnership with Macmillan than by having a record-breaking 12-months of fundraising.

“Our teams and customers are simply brilliant to have raised over £3million in 2022. Sadly, we all know someone living with cancer but we know every single pound raised in our pubs helps.”

Local Macmillan Relationship Fundraising Manager, Kirsteen Plop, said: “What a fantastic effort. A big thank you and well done to all the Greene King team members and customers at the Smiddy Inn in Cumbernauld for their amazing fundraising. £12,518 is such a brilliant total.

“Right now, Macmillan is needed now more than ever, and we want to be there for people living with cancer in our community. Macmillan services, such as the innovative and free 12-week Macmillan Move More – North Lanarkshire programme which offers a wide variety of gentle exercise sessions in a number of locations, make a real difference to the lives of people living with cancer and we simply couldn’t do what we do without the support of our partners like Greene King.

“We’re immensely grateful to everyone at Greene King for their continued and generous support of Macmillan and the millions of pounds that the partnership has raised over the years.”

Hibernian Executive Chairman Ron Gordon reveals he has cancer

A LETTER TO SUPPORTERS FROM EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN RONALD J GORDON

Dear Supporters,

Some of you may have noticed that I have not been at Easter Road in some time. I love the Club and I love Edinburgh, and I come to our home in the city as often as possible and go to as many games as I can. That is why I’m writing this letter to you all to explain why I’ve not been around as usual.

For most of this past year I have been receiving treatment for cancer. It has been a difficult time for me and the family, but I’m blessed to have their love and support as we navigate through the challenge. I imagine many of you will have gone through similar times in your own families. We all stick together to get through these difficult times. Unfortunately, my treatment has made international travel a little more challenging as I’m sure you will understand.

However, while undergoing the treatment I’ve remained in daily contact with our Chief Executive Ben Kensell, who continues to run the club with the support of the Board. That will remain the case as we continue to move forward on a variety of initiatives to further advance the club.

I want to assure you all that our family’s commitment to the club’s long-term success remains absolute, and I will be back with you at Easter Road as soon as my treatment allows.

I realize that our men’s team has gone through a challenging time on the pitch – it was disappointing for all of us to go out of the Cup to our city rivals. However, the result and performance against Aberdeen showed that we can be a real force in this league once we manage to achieve some consistency. There have been mistakes, but we are learning from them, and we are working to put things in place to be better going forward.

I am very grateful and fully appreciate your continued support of the team and the club. As you know, it will take all of us working together to help the club achieve its goals on and off the pitch, so your commitment and engagement is both necessary and very welcomed. As always, thank you for your support and your trust, and I wish all of you the very best for 2023.

Ronald J Gordon, Executive Chairman

#GGTTH

Movember: Surgeon with cancer urges men to get checked

An award winning surgeon, who has dedicated his career to improving the lives of people with kidney stones, is now hoping to save lives by raising awareness of the impacts of prostate cancer.
 
Mr Gareth Jones, an Endourological surgeon with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, was recently recognised for his life changing work, which saw him bring new kidney stone operation practices to the West of Scotland while training new surgeons in modern procedures.

But now his attention is focused on helping to raise awareness about prostate cancer, a disease that his impacted him personally and affects one in eight men in the UK.
 
Gareth, 55, was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in June 2021 and since has been very vocal about why men should ensure they are getting checked. With November a dedicated awareness raising month, through campaigns such as Movember, Gareth is urging as many men as possible to listen to advice as it could save their life.
 
The surgeon, who has worked at Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary since 2002, said: “It’s so vital that men get checked. It’s simple and relatively painless.  If prostate cancer is caught early then you have so much more of a better chance of cure. Getting checked for prostate cancer should be front and centre when it comes to men’s health.
 
“For me, as a surgeon you sometimes think you can cope with most things but getting this news was very, very difficult. I had an accelerated diagnoses so it all happened very quickly. If I’m being honest I’m still processing it now. I have got stage four prostate cancer, so it’s all about managing it now.
 
“There are so many factors you don’t really consider or think about, there are the obvious physical impacts but there are so many psychological aspects to this too. I have been really well supported though my journey , by friends and colleagues , with the input of the palliative care team and psychologists at Maggie’s too. 
 
“I’m not currently working, so what I have been doing recently is supporting the Prostate Cancer UK Scotland Hub with the view of helping out whenever I am able to. This involves raising awareness and looking for opportunities to get stands back in hospitals following the COVID-19 pandemic and also educate our partners in General Practice.”
 
As well as playing his part in raising awareness, Gareth has raised over £4,400 for the charity, covering over 180 miles, swimming, cycling, running and walking back in January. 
 
The father of two, from Cambuslang, said: “I was looking to do some fundraising in January for lifesaving research and support for men and their families affected by prostate cancer.

“I planned to do the distance of a marathon over the month. But I got a bit carried away and did a bit more than that. I have a triathlon and Ironman history, so I decided I would do an iron man over the month. I ended up getting that finished within a week so I just carried on adding more to the challenge.
 
“I would meet friends and we’d cycle or do a bit of running. I remember one Friday going to the pool at Tollcross and completing a 1.9km swim. I also went on the heritage park in East Kilbride with my wife and friends and cycled at Whitelee Windfarm too. I travelled to Switzerland for work at one point and used that as an opportunity to walk down the mountains.”
 
Last month, Gareth was honoured by the British Association of Urological Surgeons with the inaugural Silver Ureteroscope Award, for his dedication to endourology training in Glasgow and the west of Scotland since his own training back in 1997.
Gareth received the award at the annual BAUS endourology meeting in Southampton and admits it all came as a bit of a shock.
 
He said: “I was really surprised to learn that I was going to be given the award as it’s the first time they have given it out, so I wasn’t even aware of it.
 
“When I was training I noticed that there was a need for advanced  kidney stone operations and a more formal stone service  in Glasgow and the West of Scotland so became really interested in learning all I could and passing that on to others.
 
“I didn’t really know how to respond to the award , it’s really humbling.”
 
Check your risk, or ask a man you know to check their risk of prostate cancer this Movember at prostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker.

NHS crisis: the faces behind the waiting lists

Responding to Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar raising his late constituent Anne Sinclair’s case at First Minister’s Questions this week, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “I am grateful to Anas Sarwar for raising the case of Anne Sinclair with the First Minister.

“I raised the case with the First Minister in February and was told that the seven months of delays she had faced in her cancer diagnosis were ‘not at all acceptable’. I agreed with that assessment.

“Unfortunately Anne passed away this summer. Throughout her journey with cancer she was determined that I raise her story in the Parliament, find answers for the delays she faced, and fight so that nobody else was left in the same position. Her sons, who were in the gallery of the Scottish Parliament for FMQs today, have kindly given me permission to continue that fight on their mother’s behalf.

“Anne’s case starkly demonstrates the real people behind the numbers we hear every week in the Scottish Parliament. There are faces behind all the waiting lists, the people waiting in ambulances, and the people who cannot get the care they need. These are not just statistics, they are human beings who deserve dignity in their healthcare.

“Unfortunately Anne was let down, and her sons deserve answers and an apology for the delays in their mother’s diagnosis.

“I want to thank my office staff for pursuing what has often been an emotional case. We all want to see that Anne’s family can be assured that lessons are learned and nobody else will be left in the same position.”

The family of Anne Sinclair, 64 from Edinburgh, said: “We are happy that Foysol Choudhury MSP and Scottish Labour have continued to raise our late mother’s case at the Scottish Parliament.

“We do not wish for any other families to go through what our mum and our family have gone through. Our mum was a fighter and she would want her questions about her late diagnosis to be answered.”

£10 million boost to tackle cancer waiting times in Scotland

Cancer patients are set for faster access to treatment as an additional £10 million has been allocated to help improve waiting times.

The new money, to be shared among the health boards, will boost the number of operations available, creating extra clinics, and upskilling new staff to speed up the delivery of endoscopy, radiology and chemotherapy treatment to get patients the care they need as quickly as possible.

This builds on the Scottish Government’s £114.5 million National Cancer Plan, to support patients and deliver equal access to care across the country that means anyone can access the best standard of care despite their location or background.

This extra cash is on top of the £10 million that was allocated to Health Boards last year (2020-21) to support the running of cancer services in the face of the pandemic. This delivered new healthcare staff, additional weekend clinics and operations for the areas that need it most and helped create a brand new Urological Diagnostic Hub in NHS Highland that is already showing signs of improved waiting times.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf announced the fund while visiting NHS Forth Valley’s Breast Cancer One-Stop Clinic, which has been funded by this scheme.

This modernised service, provided  diagnostics for more than 5,000 additional breast patients from out-with NHS Forth Valley during the pandemic and continues to see and treat 80-100 new patient referrals each week from the local area. 

Mr Yousaf said: “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, NHS Scotland has consistently met the 31-day standard for starting cancer treatment with an average wait of four days once a decision to treat has been made – that’s testament to the relentless efforts of our fantastic healthcare staff across the country. However we must to more to improve our 62-day performance.

“Covid has not gone away and pressures remain, which is why we are providing health boards with a £10 million cash boost to drive down waiting times so that cancer patients can receive the best care as early as possible.”

2022-06-28-cwt-summary-finalDownload

Commenting on the Scottish Government’s announcement of £10 million funding to tackle cancer waiting times, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Any additional funding for cancer treatment is welcome, but the Scottish Government’s announcement of an additional £10 million to address cancer waiting lists is scarcely adequate to deal with the scale of the crisis in cancer waiting times in Scotland.

“The latest figures show that only 76.9 per cent of cancer patients are being seen within 62 days, a new record low and well short of the 95 per cent target. The Scottish Government cannot blame this entirely on the pandemic as it has not met this standard since 2012.

“Only recently, I sadly lost a constituent who contacted me about appalling delays in their cancer diagnosis and treatment. That constituent asked that I do everything in my power to ensure that nobody else goes through the same ordeal. I will continue to raise this issue until Scotland sees an improvement in outcomes, not just more hollow promises.

“Earlier this year I raised with the First Minister the fact that almost two fifths of cancers in Scotland are only being diagnosed at A&E, which is a sad indictment of the state of primary care under the SNP. But ever more are now waiting far too long for diagnostic tests and treatment for cancer.

“In spite of the heroic efforts of NHS staff, the cumulative failures in the running of the health service over the last decade are leaving patients frustrated and let down. In cases of cancer, this can mean the difference between life and death.

“I implore the Scottish Government to get a grip of this crisis. Those waiting for cancer treatment cannot afford further delay.”

There are two waiting time standards for cancer in Scotland. The 62-day standard is the time taken from receipt of urgent suspicion of cancer (USC) referral to start of first treatment for newly diagnosed primary cancers .

Patients can be urgently referred by a primary care clinician or general dental physician;  referred through a national cancer screening programme; direct referral to hospital where the signs and symptoms are consistent with the cancer diagnosed in line with the Scottish Referral Guidelines for example self-referral to A&E.

The 31-day standard is from the decision to treat to start of first treatment for newly diagnosed primary cancers, regardless of route of referral.

Latest published Cancer Waiting Times

The National Cancer Plan details how cancer services will be redesigned to benefit patients and increase resilience to future rises in COVID-19 prevalence.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: NHS Lothian patients share experiences

Two patients have spoken out on Skin Cancer Awareness Month about the difference NHS Lothian’s treatment has made to their lives. 

Alan Vannan, 62 from Peebles, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common skin cancer, and has been administered with immunotherapy for two years.

Prior to this, patients like Alan with advanced SCC who’ve exhausted other treatment, such as surgery and radiotherapy, wouldn’t have had other options.

Alan said: “It started with a lump on my neck and cheek, so I went to the GP. 

“When I saw the doctor at St John’s, he took one look and diagnosed it as skin cancer and said they’d need to operate on it quickly. A Macmillian nurse, who’s been brilliant, called me on the way home.

“Processing what people are telling you after a cancer diagnosis can be the most difficult part. 

“Next was the surgery followed by radiotherapy, which wasn’t easy. Beforehand, I always thought of skin cancer as something minor and easily treated.”

Unfortunately, after his treatment, Alan received the news that the cancer hadn’t gone away.

Alan continued: “That was a difficult time. They couldn’t operate further. It came as a bit of a shock. Mentally, it was hard to process. They told me I had months left and that’s when I went to Dr Mackenzie. 

“I was given immunotherapy and it’s the best thing that’s happened to me. I’ve gone from being told I had months to it being two years later. 

“As soon as I started taking the drug the wound healed up. For me, it’s been absolutely fantastic. Every time I’ve got a scan I expected it to get worse, but it never has.

“I can’t praise the staff highly enough. The nurses, surgeons, radiologists and oncologists at the Western General and St John’s, and the Macmillian nurses, have all been amazing.”

Dr Joanna Mackenzie, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Edinburgh Cancer Centre (above), said: “We’re always looking for ways to improve how we support our patients, and this has been a huge step forward in our management of difficult skin cancers. 

“To see it make such a difference to people like Alan who, just a few years ago, we wouldn’t have had the tools to help is really fulfilling for us as a team. 

“We’re also looking to conduct research to see if immunotherapy can be used at an earlier stage to help a wider number of patients with SCC.”

NHS Lothian last year also invested in a new superficial x-ray machine which treats basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common type of skin cancer. 

The machine is used for patients where surgery is not the preferred option, which can be due to other health conditions or the location of the cancer. 

BCC is rarely life-threatening but is typically seen on the face and attacks surrounding healthy tissue, sometimes leading to deformity. 

Lynda Gordon, 74, from Joppa, said: “About two years ago, I woke up with a hole at the end of my nose, so I contacted the GP.

“I was referred to the hospital at Lauriston and had an appointment to meet with a plastic surgeon, an oncologist and a dermatologist at the Joint Cutaneous Oncology Clinic. 

“It was diagnosed as a BCC and I chose to receive radiotherapy.

“An operation would have required taking skin from elsewhere and because I’ve had that before, with an SCC in 2017, I couldn’t go through that again.

“I went for the procedure at the cancer centre in February with this new machine. 

“I went every weekday for one week. Staff are lovely and make sure to explain everything. It only takes about two minutes each time. 

“The healing process was a bit unpleasant but three to four weeks later it settled, and my nose is looking absolutely fine. I’m really pleased with the results. 

“The care provided by staff is just brilliant.”

This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, NHS Lothian is also urging everyone to take simple precautions when enjoying the sun.

Dr Mackenzie continued: “It’s easy for us to think that, because we see many months of cold weather, the summer months can’t cause too much damage. 

“But whether at home or abroad, we all need to make the effort to protect our skin. 

“Simple ways to do so are avoiding the sun at peak times and wearing high-factor sunscreen as well as hats, sunglasses and clothing which covers sensitive areas more prone to sun damage.

“Please contact your GP if you’re concerned about any unusual changes to your skin.”

Wondrous Woods shines a light on Maggie’s 25th Anniversary

Spectacular lighting trail’s glowing tribute to cancer support charity’s birthday  

Scotland’s spectacular lighting trail Wondrous Woods – now extended to Sunday, November 21 – has honoured its charity partner with a glowing tribute to celebrate the cancer support organisation’s 25th anniversary.  

Maggie’s is currently celebrating 25 years and last night (November 4) the spotlight shone on the charity with a special evening of illuminations at the Wondrous Woods event at Hopetoun House. 

The magnificent stately home radiated with an amber glow as the charity’s orange logo was projected onto the mansion which was also lit up in the same hue.  And along the woodland trail orange lasers punctuated the magical forest journey through the grounds in tribute to Maggie’s 25 years of providing expert support to people with cancer, their friends and family. 

Visitors to this year’s Wondrous Woods, which runs until November 14th, are also being invited to help raise vital funds for Maggie’s by opting to donate to the charity, which relies almost entirely on voluntary donations, when they buy tickets for the trail. 

Designed and produced by the team at 21CC Group, this year’s celebratory trail includes several sound and special effects installations and has been showcasing a host of new and exciting festival-themed features including Kaleidoscope, Rubik’s Cube, Loo Lane and UV Madness. 

Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says: “We’re just delighted to be associated with Maggie’s and wanted to pay tribute, in our own way, to the fantastic job they do – and have been doing for the past quarter of a century.  

“Their support centres, empathy and advice are so important for people coping with a cancer diagnosis which is such shattering news for patients, family and friends. 

“The fact that Maggie’s services are free is fantastic but that cannot happen without constant support and funding.  We hope that by highlighting their amazing work we might prompt some additional contributions.” 

Andrew Anderson, Centre Head at Maggie’s Edinburgh said: “Maggie’s Edinburgh was the first centre to open in 1996 so to have a light shone, literally, on our work locally is wonderful.

“It was a fantastic tribute to everyone who has enabled us to do so much over the last 25 years and a beacon of light for the years to come. Thanks to everyone who is supporting us through Wondrous Woods.” 

For further information about Wondrous Woods and to purchase tickets, visit www.wondrouswoods.com 

PCOS Awareness Month

Half of UK women can’t identify the main symptoms

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects up to 13% of women and can lead to cancer and infertility, but two-thirds of women are unable to identify symptoms like weight gain and hair growth

September is PCOS Awareness Month and new research has revealed that more than half of UK women can’t identify the main symptoms, despite the condition potentially leading to cancer and infertility.

The survey, conducted by Livi, the digital healthcare provider, asked 1,000 women about the most common signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

The complex disorder causes elevated levels of sex hormones and affects 8-13% of women and people with uteruses globally. In the long term, it can lead to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and uterine cancer.

The most common symptoms of PCOS include:

  • Irregular periods, long gaps between periods, or no periods
  • Excessive hair growth on the face, chest and abdomen
  • Weight gain
  • Acne

However, the majority of women don’t recognise these as potential symptoms of PCOS. 

When asked to identify the signs, almost half failed to select irregular periods (47%) and around two-thirds didn’t pick excessive hair growth (63%) and weight gain (67%).

Acne is the least well-known PCOS symptom, with four out of five (80%) UK women not acknowledging it as a possible red flag. 

Millennials (25-34-year-olds) are the least likely age group to know what to look for, despite most PCOS diagnoses happening when women are in their 20s or 30s.

The PCOS symptoms that people are least aware of are:

1) Acne – 80% (didn’t identify as a symptom)

2) No periods – 77%

3) Long gaps between periods – 70%

4) Weight gain – 67%

5) Excessive hair growth – 63%

Two in five (40%) people selected at least one incorrect symptom. Nausea (16%), increased sweating (15%) and insomnia (14%) are the most likely signs to be mistakenly identified as PCOS.

Many women discover they have PCOS when they see a GP about possible fertility issues.

Dr Elisabeth Rosen, Lead GP at Livi and a specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics, explains the link: “As PCOS is a condition that causes problems with the release of eggs from the ovaries, it can make getting pregnant more difficult.

“Polycystic ovaries contain fluid-filled cysts known as follicles, in which eggs develop but usually never mature enough to ovulate. This affects the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular bleeding and problems ovulating.”

If you’re concerned about symptoms, Dr Rosen advises speaking to a doctor and says you can help speed up a diagnosis by keeping track of symptoms and your menstrual cycle.

“Keep track of your symptoms and menstrual cycle to help you spot patterns. You can use a cycle tracker app or a physical diary. A doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and experiences and then refer you for a blood test to check your hormone levels. They will also request an ultrasound to check for signs that your ovaries are polycystic.”

For more information about PCOS, including further advice on getting diagnosed, visit: https://www.livi.co.uk/your-health/severe-period-pain-endometriosis-or-pcos-how-can-you-tell-the-difference/ 

Wondrous Woods launches charity partnership with Maggie’s

Scotland’s spectacular lighting trail proud to celebrate cancer support charity’s 25th anniversary  

Scotland’s dazzling lighting trail Wondrous Woods is proud to announce its charity partner for 2021 is the inspirational cancer support organisation Maggie’s.  

Maggie’s celebrates 25 years of providing expert support to people with cancer and their friends and family and Wondrous Woods is inviting centre visitors at Maggie’s to the lighting extravaganza to help raise vital funds.  

The lighting trail, which runs from October 21st to November 14th, will illuminate Hopetoun House, just outside Edinburgh, and light up a magical woodland journey through its beautiful grounds.

This year visitors will help to pay tribute to Maggie’s vital work  with the chance to donate to the charity which relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to support people living with cancer, their family and friends. 

To celebrate the organisation’s 25th anniversary, on the 4th November a Maggie’s logo will appear illuminated against the magnificent backdrop of the House and orange lasers will punctuate the trail. 

Wondrous Woods is also offering discounted tickets to 250 Maggie’s newsletter readers and running a social media competition to win family tickets for the event and the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the ancestral home with a sumptuous evening of drinks, plus a hamper of food courtesy of Maggie’s, served in the Tapestry Room. 

Designed and produced by the team at 21CC Group, this year’s celebratory trail includes several sound and special effects installations and showcases a host of new and exciting festival-themed features including Kaleidoscope, Rubik’s Cube, Loo Lane and UV Madness. 

Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says: “Maggie’s do a truly amazing job providing support centres and information for people who are coping with a terrible change in their lives.

“And the fantastic thing is that their services are absolutely free. But they constantly need funding to provide these and we’re hoping that people who come along to Wondrous Woods will not only have a wonderful experience but also take the opportunity to combine that with supporting this inspirational charity. 

“We are thrilled to be associated with Maggie’s and hope to do them proud in their silver anniversary year.”  

Visitors who opt to support Maggie’s will be able to choose from different levels of donation when they purchase tickets for the trail. 

Maggie’s Andrew Anderson at Maggie’s Edinburgh said: “We are honoured that Wondrous Woods  has chosen to support Maggie’s this year. Maggie’s has been there for people with cancer and their families during the most difficult of times. 

“Maggie’s Edinburgh was the first centre to open in 1996 and this year we are celebrating 25 years of expertise. 

“We rely almost entirely on voluntary donations to support people living with cancer, as well as family and friends, so we are so grateful for your support.” 

For further information about Wondrous Woods and to purchase tickets, visit www.wondrouswoods.com 

A fun week for all at the Virtual SunWalk Festival

The festival that goes where you go!

With so much continued uncertainty and confusion surrounding summer holidays, it is now even more important than ever to plan events you can count on!

This is one festival that travels with you – The Virtual SunWalk Festival, created by the MoonWalk organisers, breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, is from 31st July – 8th August 2021. All you need to do is sign up for your chosen walking challenge, pack your walking shoes, and take this week-long festival with you wherever you go.

Walk the Walk will be providing a DIY downloadable Festival Kit with fun activities to do and make each day of the week… so get ready to fly your bunting and put those flowers in your hair, it’s festival time with a difference!

Walking has been proven to have so many benefits it is has been quoted as almost the perfect activity to keep fit and healthy, no matter what your age. Research continues to show that being active is proving to be a vital key in the prevention of diseases including breast cancer.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund*, a low level of physical activity alone is responsible for 7.5% of breast cancers and a staggering 25% of breast cancer cases in women are caused by lifestyle choices.

So, holidays, back garden or park, The Virtual SunWalk Festival is just the ticket and has a walking challenge to suit every ability and age – choose between a 5k, 10k or Half Marathon (13.1 miles). For those keen to take on the ultimate walking challenge, complete 100k in one go, or over the week.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said: “The past 18 months has had an impact on all our lives in one way or another, so Walk the Walk’s Virtual SunWalk Festival is just a wonderful opportunity for families, friends, work colleagues, neighbours and everyone you know, to finally get together, put up the bunting, create their own Start and Finish, cook up some delicious treats to eat at the end of the walk and have some summer fun!

“The impact of Covid on Cancer patients has been devastating, so to create a week where people can reach personal goals, have a great time and where every step contributes towards helping those living with the physical and mental anxieties of cancer… Well, it’s the best!”

To sign up for the Virtual SunWalk Festival or to make a donation go to walkthewalk.org