Do the Pink Ribbonwalk with us

Help Breast Cancer Care raise thousands

By Sarah Johnson

The Scottish Breast Cancer Care Pink Ribbonwalk takes place in May — and The Sunday Post will be teaming up with the event again.

Last year’s walk at Scone Palace raised more than £170,000, thanks in part to the great response and generosity of Sunday Post readers.

We’re hoping to do even better in 2011 — and here’s how you can help.

On May 14 you can take part in a sponsored 10 or 20-mile walk through beautiful Perthshire countryside.

If you need an incentive, consider this.

Latest figures show one in eight of us risks developing the disease. 

Every 11 minutes someone in the UK is told they have breast cancer — 17 people will receive a diagnosis tomorrow. 

46,000 diagnosed

Each year nearly 46,000 people in the UK are diagnosed — 300 of them men. Every year 12,000 will die.

The Pink Ribbonwalk was launched six years ago at Blenheim Palace to raise money for Breast Cancer Care, who provide help and support for anyone affected. 

They bring people together through a range of services and events, offering information and support.

More than 22,000 people are supported every year, but the charity receives no statutory funding and relies wholly on fundraising and donations.

Dealing with a diagnosis is a confusing, lonely and anxious time, not only for the person with the diagnosis, but also for family and friends. 

Over the next few months we’ll introduce you to some of those who’ve benefited from BCC support and the volunteers who go the extra mile to help more than 4000 people diagnosed every year in Scotland.

We’re also asking you to go for a walk. 

Since 2005 the challenging, but achievable, Pink Ribbonwalk has grown to four walks across the UK, with the Scottish leg launched in 2009.

Attract

14,000 supporters have raised more than £4.5 million in six years and this year the charity is hoping 3500 people will take part.

We’re hoping to attract 800 of you to Scone Palace.

Last year The Sunday Post’s five-strong team raised more than £2000 with the help of friends and family — but this year we’re aiming even higher. 

Over the coming weeks we’ll introduce our team and ask you to help by sponsoring us. 

Breast Cancer Care’s Ambassador, Olympian Denise Lewis (right), says, “I loved walking the 10-mile route last year. 

“I took part in memory of my grandmother — it was a really special and uplifting day. 

“Gather your friends, family and colleagues to sign up and make 2011 the biggest yet! 

“Breast Cancer Care’s support services ensure no-one faces breast cancer alone.”

Pink Ribbonwalk Project Manager Lucy Johnston adds, “By taking part you can help those living with breast cancer while enjoying a fun-filled afternoon walking with friends and family.” 

THE Pink Ribbonwalk, sponsored by Santander, is open to women and men of all abilities. It doesn’t matter if you’re an inexperienced walker — just put in some training beforehand. 

Everyone is asked to raise a minimum of £175 and a non-refundable £30 entry fee. You can enter as an individual or a team. 

You’ll be given access to Scone Palace — private land and restricted areas — refreshments (including a celebratory BBQ), Breast Cancer Care T-shirt plus monthly newsletters and, of course, the certificate and medal at the finish line!

Training tips are included in your support pack, sent when you sign up. 

Minimum age for entrants is 16 and an adult must accompany those under 18. 

At least one adult must be present for every two under-age walkers.

Entry is first-come-first-served and registration will close once the event limit is reached, for health and safety reasons, so sign up as soon as possible.

To register either visit www.pinkribbonwalk.org.uk  or phone 0870 145 0101.

Sunday Post readers are eligible for a £5 discount. Quote POST1 when registering online.

If you're unable to take part but would like to donate you can support The Sunday Post team by sending a cheque made payable to Breast Cancer Care to Pink Ribbonwalk, c/o The Sunday Post, 144 Port Dundas Road, Glasgow, G4 0HZ or sponsor us online www.justgiving.com/thesundaypost