SHE partners Walk the Walk for charity

SHE magazine is the media partner for this year's Playtex MoonWalk, helping to raise funds for breast cancer

On May 16 there were sore feet but happy hearts all over London as thousands of people took to the streets for the annual Playtex MoonWalk in aid of breast cancer charity Walk the Walk. Celebrities Sara Cox and Paul O'Grady were among the night walkers who turned out with bras be-decked for the occasion!

 

Walk the Walk founder and chief executive Nina Barough said, "Every year I am amazed not only by the number of people that join us but also the fantastic unity the event engenders - I never take for granted the enthusiasm and commitment our walkers make. Women and men from all walks of life support us, each with their own personal reasons for taking on The Playtex MoonWalk challenge.

 

It was a fantastic evening with inspiring warm up acts for walkers such as the BBC Big Band and singing quartet Blake. Heartfelt messages on the night from the likes of Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag, Dawn Porter and Sara Cox also really helped ready everyone for the challenge. As always it was awe inspiring to see the thousands pass the finish line - with some walking nearly 12 hours - and every year it just gets bigger and better." 

 

Read Nina's column here

 

Here's Erin Boag of Strictly Come Dancing fame in her customised Playtex bra, created by BBC costume designer Su Judd. Su, along with Strictly designer Vicky Barkness and Strictly costume manufacturer DSI, designed and created ballroom-inspired bras for a number of the celebrities taking part in this year's walk. Other lucky recipients of the glitzy bras included Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen and actress Kate Magowan.

 

More information

 

For latest news and upates visit the official website at www.walkthewalk.org

 

Get healthy, get walking: Top tips

Nina Barough, chief executive and founder of Walk the Walk, is passionate about power walking and an expert in this field. Power walking is a dynamic and proven way to improve your health, so follow Nina's top tips to get started.
 
1.    Incorporate walking into your day gradually. For example, swap short car journeys for walks
 
2.    Plan your route before you set off. A circular route is ideal so that you don’t have to walk the same road twice
 
3.    Stretch before and after walking – it’s essential
 
4.     Walk with a strong, upright posture,  lifting from your abdomen and core muscles,   keep  eyes looking straight ahead
 
5.    Your arms control your speed. The more you use them the faster you’ll go!
 
6.    Ensure you wear the correct shoes – you need a good pair of walk-specific shoes that are padded and cushioned in all the right places
 
7.    Make sure your Power Walking goals are challenging for you but not impossible
 
8.    Drink lots of water – aim for 2 litres a day and always keep yourself hydrated!
 
9.    Wear a pedometer to keep a check on your distance and time each time you walk aim to increase the speed of your short walks and the length of your long walks.
 
10.     Power Walk with a friend - always elect one of you to be a pace setter so that you are always progressing and motivating each other.

 

Where does the money go? One case study

 

Walk the Walk, the grant making health charity behind The MoonWalk Edinburgh, has united with Maggie's, the organisation which offers care and support to anyone affected by cancer, to create a second Cancer Caring Centre in Glasgow, at The Gartnavel General Hospital. Significant funds raised by the thousands of power walkers who pound the streets of Edinburgh each June, will be granted to Maggie's by Walk the Walk to help towards the cost of the new £2.1 million building.

 

Nina Barough, Chief Executive and Founder of Walk the Walk comments: 'I'm delighted that Walk the Walk and Maggie's will be working together on this much needed second centre in Glasgow. A huge hug and thanks should go to all those that have taken part in the MoonWalk Edinburgh, without their fantastic support over the past two years and their future support, this grant would not be possible.'

 

Isobel Rutter has had cancer and visits Maggie's:'I have received so much support from Maggie's Gatehouse and know that having an additional centre at Gartnavel will mean even more opportunity for me, my family and others like us to get the emotional support we need to complement our physical treatment. Benefits advice, a cup of tea, a relaxation session or time with a psychologist are all available under one roof at Maggie's and it feels like a home from home, away from the bustle of the hospital corridor.'