The first ever Virtual Moonwalk Scotland took place this weekend
Walkers pounded the streets as a popular fundraising event was held virtually for the first time.
With a fun disco theme, fantastic fundraisers turned out in force to Walk the Walk on the streets of Scotland and across the UK on Saturday (12 June), during the first ever Virtual MoonWalk Scotland.
Streets were awash with colourful psychedelic costumes, sparkle and glitter as these amazing walkers put on their boogie walking shoes and took on challenges between six and 52 miles in their own areas.
For the first time, The MoonWalk, organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, took place during daylight. Walkers wearing the iconic Walk the Walk bra t-shirts, many with their decorated bras attached to their bumbags, raised an incredible amount of awareness in local communities as they were greeted on the streets by well-wishers.
All the men taking part wore a specially created Men Get Breast Cancer Too t-shirt, with a blue checked bra emblazoned on the front, playing their part ahead of Men’s Health Week.
Walk the Walk is about having fun, raising awareness and raising money. The event brought fun and laughter to thousands, as the walkers brightened up neighbourhoods. Funds raised will be granted towards the mental and physical support of those living with cancer, to help where possible with the devastating impact that cancer patients have experienced throughout the pandemic.
Kate Brook from Tranent was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2020 and completed the 13.1 mile Half Moon with Kate’s Dream Team, including her husband Matt and local friends.
She said: “The Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, where I continue to receive treatment, has benefitted from grants from Walk the Walk and many a time I have looked at their plaque in the waiting room and promised myself that, when I was better, I would be part of The MoonWalk again. Today has been amazing - it's been a real focus for me during my treatment and it has not disappointed - super company, lovely scenery and lots of support from people along the way! We are all delighted to have raised so much money and awareness”.
Tricia Young from Edinburgh completed her 14th MoonWalk Scotland, walking the 26.2 mile Full Moon. She said: “It was so much fun taking part in the Virtual MoonWalk, I was delighted that this year’s event still happened. Since my sister sadly died from breast cancer in 2013, I’ve been really motivated by her memory and the fact that we need to keep on raising awareness of breast cancer. I was walking on my own, but it was wonderful to bump into several other MoonWalkers on the streets of Edinburgh. The kindness of local people was so touching - one lady in Portobello even offered me the use of her toilet! I am thrilled to raise so much money too for such a deserving cause, I’ll keep on taking part as long as I can”.
Nina Barough CBE, founder and chief executive of Walk the Walk, said: “Whilst we would just love to be at Holyrood Park, hugging our intrepid challengers as they cross the finish line, it was not to be this year. It is incredibly positive that our first Virtual MoonWalk Scotland has encouraged walkers and fundraisers across Scotland to take part, as well as people from across the length and breadth of the UK, and indeed countries across the world. Well-wishers and supporters on the streets of local communities have been incredibly generous, with much needed fundraising for those living with cancer. For many, the focus of training, and preparing for this day, has been an absolute life saver. Once again regular walking has proven to be a lifeline for mental and physical well-being during the ongoing uncertainty of Covid. We thank all our fundraisers for raising much needed funds and look forward to being back at Holyrood next year with a live MoonWalk Scotland.”
To register your interest for The MoonWalk Scotland 2022, go to the website.
