The Datebook Autumn 2017 | Page 8

The MoonWalk Scotland 2017 – A City-Centre Jungle Safari! T hree thousand women and men donned “Jungle Safari” themed decorated bras on Saturday 10th June, to raise money and awareness for breast cancer charity Walk the Walk at the 12th MoonWalk Scotland. Starting at Midnight, people of all ages wearing bras, decorated with monkeys, parrots, leopards and other exotic animals, took on a walking challenge through the streets of Edinburgh from Holyrood Park. Distances ranged from the 6.55 miles New Moon to the double marathon Over The Moon (52.4 miles). The routes swung past some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks, many of which were lit up pink for the occasion, including Lloyds on the Mound, the Queen Victoria Monument, Royal Yacht Britannia and St Giles Cathedral. Crime writer Val McDermid completed the Half Moon (13.1 miles), while Walk the Walk the Walk’s volunteers at The MoonWalk Scotland. Walk Founder and Chief Executive Nina Barough CBE wore a stunning “Parrot” bra, created for her by Edinburgh department store Jenners. From L to R: Vhairi Flannigan, Elizabeth Grubb and Mhairi Flannigan at the MoonWalk Scotland… three generations from one family. Walkers wearing Jungle Safari themed bras at The MoonWalk Scotland. 6 THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK Before the first step had even been taken, Walkers had raised an incredible £430,000, with money still coming in. The MoonWalk Scotland has now raised an incredible £20 million since 2006, with most of the funds staying in Scotland to help improve the lives of people with cancer now. Earlier this year, the new Maggie’s Forth Valley Centre in Larbert was opened thanks to a £3 million grant from Walk the Walk, the centre’s principal funders. 80 year-old Elizabeth Grubb was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago and took part in her third New Moon at the MoonWalk Scotland, with her daughter Mhairi and granddaughter Vhairi. Elizabeth said “All three generations of us thought the atmosphere was marvellous! The climb at the beginning up and around Arthur’s Seat is always great, but this time especially so because on our return, it was a FULL MOON hanging above Salisbury Crags. How perfect for The MoonWalk! Walking with thousands of others, all festooned in fabulous bras and intent on the eradication of breast cancer, is totally exhilarating. Finishing our challenge and getting our medals in the middle of Princes Street, below our great Edinburgh Castle was unforgettable”. Alongside the Walkers, many as young as ten years old, a thousand volunteers performing a variety of roles made this unique event run smoothly. Walk the Walk Founder and Chief Executive Nina Barough CBE wearing a bra created by Jenners. To register your interest for The MoonWalk Scotland 2018, either as a Walker or Volunteer, go to www.walkthewalk.org