MSPs come together to raise money for breast cancer treatment

Published on Saturday 4 April 2009 19:57

MSPs from across the political spectrum will join forces to raise money for breast cancer treatment at this year's Moonwalk Edinburgh.

Two ministers are taking part, along with Labour and Conservative colleagues.

The MSPs' team will join the Highland Swing, doing the 13.1-mile Half Moon trek on June 20.

The politicians include Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeon, Public Health Minister Shona Robison, Labour health spokeswoman Cathy Jamieson and her Conservative counterpart, Mary Scanlon.

Also walking the overnight route will be Christine Grahame, from the SNP, Sarah Boyack from Labour and Nanette Milne from the Conservatives.

They will be joined by television presenter Lorraine Kelly, a long-standing supporter of cancer charities.

Other walkers will include a retired doctor walking with his friends in memory of his wife, who died of breast cancer seven years ago, and a secondary school PE teacher walking with other colleagues and pupils.

The Walk the Walk charity is aiming to raise 3m to enhance the lives of cancer patients throughout Scotland with the renovation of breast cancer departments, building of new centres and the purchase of vital equipment such as scalp coolers for hospitals.

The Moonwalk, sponsored by Scotland on Sunday, is now in its fourth year in Edinburgh. So far it has raised over 7m.

Sturgeon said: "Everyone knows someone affected by cancer, whether it's a family member, a friend or someone we work with.

"That's why events like the Moonwalk are so important – they bring thousands of people together to allow us to express our concern and show our commitment to doing everything we can to help."

Robison said: "Taking part in the Moonwalk is a fantastic way to let people who experience cancer know they're not alone and we care. Walking is the best form of exercise so taking part in the event is a win-win for everyone – a great way to raise awareness of breast cancer and get active and healthier ourselves."

The Highland Swing will kick off from Inverleith Park at midnight on Saturday, June 20. To date, over 10,000 women and men have registered to walk either the 26.2-mile Full Moon circuit or the Half Moon.

Last year, more than 12,000 women and men walked through the night to raise money for Walk the Walk.