The MoonWalk Scotlandmade 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.
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:
The iconic MoonWalk Scotland is going virtual on 12 June 2021!
Whilst walkers may not be uniting in Holyrood Park and swathing Edinburgh in pink for this year’s MoonWalk, they will be taking its kaleidoscope of colours and funky disco theme far and wide, as people of all ages and abilities step out into towns and villages across Scotland and the UK.
With four different Power Walking distances – 6.55 miles/ 13.1 miles/ 26.2 miles/ 52.4 miles – there really is something for everyone, from the absolute novice to the ardent walker, all Walking towards raising £1 million for cancer.
Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk, organisers ofthe MoonWalk said:“The MoonWalk Scotland is such an iconic highlight of Walk the Walk’s year, creating an incredible buzz across Edinburgh and filling the streets of the city with colour and fun.
“For the health and safety of our supporters and fundraisers, we’re unable to meet at Holyrood Park this year, but Covid-19 cannot stop cancer, and it’s not stopping us. I’m just so excited that we are gathering such wonderful support and that supporters are uniting in their own areas, for our first daytime Virtual MoonWalk Scotland.
“We are thrilled that fundraisers can now walk together in small groups, creating the wonderful camaraderie that brings, and to help raise £1 million of much needed funds.
“Due to the devastating impact that Covid-19 has had on those living with cancer, this will allow us to continue providing vital support where it is needed most, to frontline cancer services.
“Thanks to walkers putting one foot in front of the other, we’ll be able to make more grants to charities like Cancer Support Scotland, who received £20,000 from Walk the Walk to fund their vital online support services.
“We know that many people doing a little bit can be a powerful force …so let’s generate that power across Scotland and the UK in true Walk the Walk spirit!”
So look out for MoonWalkers on June 12th, who will be wearing the unique Walk the Walk ‘Bra T-shirts’, and creating an inspirational movement across the country!
Walkers are being encouraged to decorate their disco-themed decorated bras, and attach them to their bum bags as a sign of unity and support as they take on their challenges.
Walking has often been described as almost the perfect form of exercise. It can build overall fitness at any age, help maintain mental and physical wellbeing, including weight loss, as well as being a great aid to prevention against disease.
With gyms and leisure centres forced to close during the pandemic, many people have started walking for the first time, and realising not only how much they enjoy it, but the many benefits that it holds. Walking is one of the most flexible forms of exercise around – just step out of your front door and go!
Whilst The MoonWalk is traditionally held overnight, as Walk the Walk is not there to look after everyone, this year there will be various start times during the day, to be confirmed closer to the date.
All walkers and supporters should observe government social distancing guidelines during their own Virtual MoonWalk Scotland.
To sign up for The Virtual MoonWalk Scotland or to make a donation go to:
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 £22 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.
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 £22 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.
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 Joelshas 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.
The Walk of Fame themed MoonWalk Scotland is being given an added Hollywood touch, as the historic Edinburgh Castle lights up pink …
Edinburgh Castle is to light up pink on the night of Saturday 9th June, in honour of thousands of women, men and young walkers taking part in the 13th MoonWalk Scotland. Lloyds on the Mound will also form part of the City’s striking pink skyline, as the Capital unites with MoonWalk organisers, breast cancer charity Walk the Walk.Continue reading Glitz and glamour as Edinburgh Castle shines pink for MoonWalk stars
