THIS National Volunteers’ Week (June 2 to June 8), cancer charity Walk the Walk is shining a light on the 31,000 volunteers who have played a crucial role in helping to stage its annual MoonWalk events.
Founded by Wokingham resident Nina Barough CBE, for nearly three decades, the charity has been encouraging people to improve their own health by walking, while raising funds for breast cancer treatment and research.
The organisation thanks all its volunteers, which it describes as the backbone of its events and the beating heart of The MoonWalk.
Karen White from Hitchin volunteers as a cycle marshal at The MoonWalk London with her husband Gareth.
She said: “Volunteering is not just about giving up your time, it’s about making a difference to those who need it.
“I love to volunteer, because it reminds me that even my small actions can spark big change and where better than at the iconic MoonWalk?
“There’s simply nothing like it and I’m very proud to play my part.”
Walk The Walk began in 1996, when Nina Barough woke from a dream with the idea to power walk the New York City Marathon in a decorated bra with a group of supporters, to raise money for breast cancer.
She had no experience of fundraising for a charity, and had never taken part in a marathon.
She also knew nothing about breast cancer or anyone who had been affected, yet just a few months later she discovered that she had breast cancer herself.
Two years on, with a group of 65 walkers, she set off on the eve of the London Marathon at midnight to walk the city route overnight.
Sint this event, the charity’s first MoonWalk, hundreds of people across the country have joined as walkers each year, or donated their time to help the charity’s two UK events, The MoonWalk London and The MoonWalk Scotland, to run smoothly.
And Nina’s passion for healthy eating and being active has inspired many to take on a Walk the Walk challenge, which they often describe as life-changing.
Cathie Purves from Edinburgh has been volunteering at The MoonWalk Scotland every year since 2007.
She said: “I would recommend Volunteering to everyone.
“Donating my time every year at The MoonWalk Scotland is my way of giving something back and I always have such fun, meeting up again with the many friends I’ve made over the years.
“For anyone thinking of joining Walk the Walk as a volunteer, I’d say just do it.
“It’s one night of your life and you’ll always get so much more out of it that you’ve put in”.
Walk The Walk’s fundraising successes have promoted advancements in research, leading to better diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, and a better understanding of how to support prevention.
For information, visit: walkthewalk.org
