Pink Ribbon Walk at Chiswick House Raises £80,000 |
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Over 270 people take part in event to support Breast Cancer Now
More than 270 came to Chiswick House Gardens dressed in pink earlier this month to take part in a fundraiser for the charity Breast Cancer Now. The Pink Ribbon Walk was the final fundraiser in the series after the event was put on hold for two years in the pandemic. The participants walked 10 or 20 miles to raise money for the charity's breast cancer research and support. 70-year-old Christine Turkington from Glasgow, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 and after being supported by Breast Cancer Now, has volunteered for the charity for 18 years. Christine appeared on stage outside Chiswick House before she took on the 10-mile walk. Christine said, “I am delighted to be here today walking 10 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! “I was diagnosed with breast cancer over 20 years ago, after finding a lump in my breast at the end of 2001. At that time Breast Cancer Now was known as Breast Cancer Care, and the charity was just as important to me then as it is now. “Throughout my treatment, Breast Cancer Now provided me with peer support, where I was able to talk to someone who had the same diagnosis as myself and I attended information sessions, which empowered me to face the challenges of breast cancer with less fear, greater control, and more knowledge. “Having benefitted from Breast Cancer Now’s services, I wanted to give something back. I’ve been a volunteer for 18 years, providing peer support through the Someone Like Me Service I used when I was first diagnosed. I give breast health talks on signs and symptoms, I fundraise in my local community and I’ve even modelled in their charity lingerie lines- something I could never have imagined doing! “This is my 8th Pink Ribbon Walk and I’ve travelled with my group of Glasgow Girls all over the country to take on the challenge so far. The money raised here at Chiswick House will help Breast Cancer Now continue its vital work for anyone affected by the disease. Let’s hope that with the help of your fundraising, Breast Cancer Now will reach their goal, that by 2050 everyone who develops breast cancer will live and live well.” The walkers wrote personal messages on pink ribbons that they added to the charity’s ribbon display. They enjoyed the spectacular Chiswick House grounds and the best of the Thames Path scenery. Claire Pulford, Associate Director, Community and Events at Breast Cancer Now, said, “We’re so delighted to have welcomed our fantastic supporters to the iconic Chiswick House and the Thames Pink Ribbon Walk and we would like to thank everyone who took part helping to raise more than £80,000 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 Breast Cancer Now to cancel events for the last two years, seeing everyone walking together for a joint cause felt even more 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. “We’re so thankful to everyone who signed up to take part in a Pink Ribbon Walk and fundraise for Breast Cancer Now. Every year in the UK 55,000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer and sadly these numbers are rising. 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.” To find out more about how you can fundraise for Breast Cancer Now visit this link.
July 21, 2022
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