Massive effort by walkers and runners will raise hundreds of thousands for cancer
Cancer charities are praising volunteers after thousands turned out over the weekend to take part in events to raise funds to combat the disease.
An army of around 9,000 women turned out in force at Race for Life events in Edinburgh and Aberdeen while thousands more turned out for the annual nocturnal Moonwalk.
The roads and countryside were turned pink as women from all walks of life turned out to raise money for cancer.
At Dalkeith Country Park, 1,400 women completed Pretty Muddy, a women-only, non-competitive 5k obstacle course – with added mud.
In Edinburgh a sea of almost 3,500 women dressed in pink gathered at Holyrood Park to take part in 5K and 10K Race for Life events to raise money for vital research.
At Aberdeen’s Kings Links, around 4,000 women enjoyed the sunshine while taking on 5K and 10K challenges.
And thousands of women and men wearing decorated bras inspired by this year’s theme “Mad Hatter’s Midnight Tea Party”, set off in the cold and wet at Midnight on Saturday from Inverleith Park, Edinburgh, to Power Walk through the streets of the capital, raising money and awareness for breast cancer charity Walk the Walk.
Nina Barough CBE, founder and chief executive of Walk the Walk said: “The energy of everyone at this fantastic birthday party was just amazing and the rain was not going to stop a good MoonWalk!
"It was incredible to see Edinburgh lit up pink, in honour of our wonderful Walkers, and I was overwhelmed by the kindness of people on the streets, coming together to provide a constant supply of support, snacks and drinks."
At Pretty Muddy on Saturday and Race for Life in Edinburgh on Sunday was VIP guest speaker and cancer survivor Janet Brodie, of Portobello.
Janet was diagnosed with cancer after she began getting a persistent pain in her chest after attending a hula hoop fitness class.
At first she thought it was a sports injury but, when the pain persisted, Janet visited her GP who referred her to a specialist.
My survival is down to the progress of scientists who have come up with new treatments - Janet Brodie
She said: “This weekend has been absolutely brilliant and very emotional. I believe without the money raised by Cancer Research UK supporters, I wouldn’t be standing here.
“My survival is down to the progress of scientists who have come up with new treatments and for that I am so thankful.”
Edinburgh’s Sing In the City choir were also in fine voice at Holyrood Park today, singing two songs from the event stage ahead of the 10K event.
Among the choir was breast cancer survivor Irene Donaldson, aged 60, of Trinity, who sounded a klaxon to start the 10K race. She also took part in the event.
Irene said: “It’s been amazing and a huge buzz seeing everyone coming together to do their bit to find a cure for cancer. It’s down to their enthusiasm that progress is being made.”
