Women and men wearing pink walked 10 or 20 miles on the Pink Ribbon Walk to raise money for Breast Cancer Now’s world-class breast cancer research and support.
Joanne Smith from Cheshunt in Hertfordshire, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2020, appeared on stage before she sounded the klaxon to start the 20-mile walk. Joanne said:
“I'm so happy and grateful to be here today walking 20 miles in this beautiful location. I’m also proud of myself that I have been brave enough to stand up here and speak to you all!
“My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 38 and sadly died from the disease, and then my mum was diagnosed at the age of 62.
"Thankfully, my mum’s treatment was successful, and she was given the all clear.
"When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I had a lot of ‘what ifs’, but my advice for anyone here today recently diagnosed is to focus on what you know now.
“It’s almost two years since my diagnosis and I am feeling healthy and happy.
"I honestly believe it’s thanks to Breast Cancer Now’s research and the work they do, that I’m here to tell my story. Because of this, I’m keen to raise awareness and do more for those who unfortunately aren’t as lucky as I was, especially those who are diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
"The money raised here at Blenheim will help Breast Cancer Now continue its vital work for anyone affected by the disease.”
More than 700 walkers wrote personal messages on pink ribbons that they added to the charity’s ribbon display.
They enjoyed Blenheim Palace’s spectacular grounds, as well as woodland trails, picturesque Oxfordshire villages and the best of the Cotswolds’ beautiful rural scenery.
Claire Pulford, Associate Director, Community and Events at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“We’re so delighted to have once again welcomed our fantastic supporters back to the iconic Blenheim Palace Pink Ribbon Walk. And we would like to thank everyone who took part helping to raise more than £129,000 so far, for people affected by breast cancer, with donations still coming in.
“It’s always an incredibly emotional day. And after the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to cancel our fundraising events for the last two years, the first walk back felt incredibly special.
"People took part for so many reasons – we had people walking who are currently having breast cancer treatment, people who’ve had treatment, and friends and family of people affected by the disease.
“Every year in the UK, 55,000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer and sadly these numbers are rising.
"This is why we’re so thankful to everyone who signed up to take part in a Pink Ribbon Walk and fundraise for Breast Cancer Now.
"These vital funds are helping us to ensure we’re here for anyone affected by breast cancer, funding world-class research and providing support to anyone affected by this devastating disease.”
Challenge yourself to a Pink Ribbon Walk and help fund world-class research and support. Find out more and register today at www.breastcancernow.org/ribbonwalk
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Notes to editors
For further information, please contact press@breastcancernow.org or call 07436 107914.
About Breast Cancer Now
- Breast Cancer Now is the UK’s first comprehensive breast cancer charity, combining world-class research and life-changing care.
- Breast Cancer Now’s ambition is that, by 2050, everyone who develops breast cancer will live and be supported to live well.
- Breast Cancer Now, the research and care charity, launched in October 2019, created by the merger of specialist support and information charity Breast Cancer Care and leading research charity Breast Cancer Now.
- Visit breastcancernow.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram
Anyone looking for support or information can call Breast Cancer Now’s free Helpline on 0808 800 6000.