Breast Cancer Now: Pink Ribbon Walk
Join forces with family and friends on a life-affirming Pink Ribbon Walk, raising funds for our charity partner Breast Cancer Now…
Looking for a new challenge? Why not put your walking boots to good use by striding out on a Pink Ribbon Walk and raising funds for Breast Cancer Now’s pioneering research and specialist support?
“Pink Ribbon Walks are an opportunity to explore beautiful locations across the country while making a real difference to anyone affected by breast cancer,” reveals Kate Rham, head of events at Breast Cancer Now.
There are so many reasons people choose to take part in a Pink Ribbon Walk – in celebration, in memory of a loved one, in defiance of a diagnosis, to mark an anniversary or to show their support.
“But no matter why they’re on the start line, they share a real sense of hope and there’s an amazing spirit of friendship and camaraderie as everyone makes their way round a Pink Ribbon Walk.”
This year’s Pink Ribbon Walk locations
Hampton Court Palace
This year’s 2024 Pink Ribbon Walks will take place at Hampton Court Palace on April 28, Blenheim Palace on May 11 and Bakewell Showground in Derbyshire on June 22. Each walk has a 32km (20-mile) and 16km (10-mile) route, with walkers supported by trained medics and guides. There are regular rest and refuelling stops, a hot meal at the end and a medal for all finishers.
“We want everyone to enjoy a wonderful day out in spectacular scenery as they unite for a common cause – supporting Breast Cancer Now,” continues Kate.
“I’m closely involved in the organisation of the Pink Ribbon Walks and, for me, there have been so many memorable moments.
“From leading the front of the 20-mile walk at Blenheim Palace with Sonia, an amazing woman who has taken on every Blenheim Palace Pink Ribbon Walk, through to cheering our final walkers across the finish line with whoops and cheers.”
Pink Ribbon Walks have been raising money since 2005
Kate reveals that, since the first Pink Ribbon Walks were held in 2005, more than £15 million has been raised for Breast Cancer Now’s vital work.
“Funds raised by Pink Ribbon Walks contribute towards Breast Cancer Now achieving its vision that, by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live – and live well,” she adds.
As well as the £20 registration fee, which covers costs, Breast Cancer Now encourages walkers to reach a target of £100, with every walker receiving a fundraising pack full of ideas and materials when they register. Participants also receive a Pink Ribbon Walk T-shirt, which many of them customise.
“Our wonderful walkers come up with lots of fantastic ways to style their T-shirts and walking outfits each year,” says Kate, who adds that every Pink Ribbon Walker is also given a pink ribbon.
“On these pink ribbons, people write messages of support, memories of loved ones and thoughts about their breast cancer experiences,” she continues.
“At the end of their walk, each walker can tie their ribbon to the display at the finish line. Every story shared is so different and personal.
“For me, those pink ribbons fluttering in the wind really bring home why Breast Cancer Now is here – for now and for the future.”
Find out more about Pink Ribbon Walks and register today.
There are so many reasons why people take part…
“I’m One Of The Lucky Ones”
Nina and her granddaughter
Having been diagnosed with breast cancer twice in a year, Nina Martin and 13 of her friends are taking part in the Hampton Court Palace Pink Ribbon Walk.
“I count myself as one of the lucky ones,” says Nina (55). “Both my cancers were found very early. Early detection can be a lifesaver.
“When I first felt a tiny bump in my chest wall, I could easily have ignored it but I decided to get it checked. To my shock, I had stage one breast cancer. The lump was removed and I had a course of radiotherapy – only to find following my yearly mammogram that I had cancer in the other breast. Again, it was stage one. The lump was removed followed by further radiotherapy.
“My friends and family, and the breast care team, were so supportive. I can’t thank them enough. By helping to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now at a Pink Ribbon Walk, we can all help each other live a good life – hopefully cancer-free.”
“We’re Walking For Sue”
Elaine and Sue
This year’s Pink Ribbon Walk at Blenheim Palace will be Elaine Nicholas’s fourth. However, for the first time, she’ll be taking part without her friend Sue Youngman.
“Sue was receiving treatment for secondary breast cancer when she died unexpectedly last December,” says Elaine (67), who was diagnosed with breast cancer just before her 50th birthday and became a Breast Cancer Now volunteer soon after finishing treatment.
“Sue was also a Breast Cancer Now volunteer. We met as members of our local Breast Cancer Now fundraising committee,” continues Elaine. “Sue’s first words to me were, ‘Would you like to join me at the 2013 Pink Ribbon Walk at Blenheim Palace?’
“Our small team consisted of a few more people affected by breast cancer – and a giant pink bra called Barbra, found by Sue in the Cardiff Breast Cancer Now offices.
“Sue and I enjoyed our first Pink Ribbon Walk so much, we did it again and again, with more people joining Team Barbra every time. So far, Team Barbra has walked over 1,000 miles and raised over £50,000.
“Sadly, we’ve lost a couple of team members and Sue was always the first to say ‘We’ve got to do something for them’.
“This year, Team Barbra will walk the Blenheim Palace Pink Ribbon Walk for Sue. In her memory, Team Barbra will be helping raise funds for Breast Cancer Now research – research that, one day, will ensure people like Sue don’t die.”
Images: Breast Cancer Now
My Weekly Magazine Subscription With A Contribution To Breast Cancer Now
Why not enjoy all that a subscription to My Weekly magazine has to offer whilst also making a fantastic contribution to the vital work of Breast Cancer Now? We will donate £5 to Breast Cancer Now with every subscription sold at this special offer price. Subscribe today – only £20 for 12 issues!
Here is the details of this special subscription deal.
We talk to Breast Cancer Now about their mission to improve the lives of those affected by the disease.
Look out for more information and advice over the coming months from Breast Cancer Now in My Weekly magazine and here on our website.
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