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
