Walkers get out their bras to support breast cancer cause

Published on Friday 19 June 2009 10:04

THOUSANDS of fundraisers have their decorated bras and pants at the ready as they gear up for Edinburgh's MoonWalk marathon this weekend.

More than 10,000 people, including 1,000 men who are also encouraged to wear colourful lingerie, will pound the streets in their underwear tomorrow night.

Walkers are coming from far and wide, but there is a strong local presence, with many Edinburgh residents taking part.

Organiser Walk the Walk hopes to smash the record 2.7 million raised last year at Edinburgh's MoonWalk and make more than 3m to donate to breast cancer causes.

It is the fourth year the city has hosted the event, which also takes place in London, Bristol and Newcastle. Power walkers will be tackling either the half MoonWalk (13.1 miles) or full MoonWalk (26.2 miles), which starts and finishes at Inverleith Park.

They will be joined by celebrities including Lorraine Kelly, who is on her eighth MoonWalk.

She said: "Not only does the MoonWalk help raise awareness and a massive amount of money for breast cancer charities, it is also a deeply moving, hugely enjoyable challenge.

"Crossing that finishing line with fellow walkers, some who have lost loved ones and others who are living with breast cancer, is overwhelming and makes the lack of sleep, blisters and aching limbs well worth it."

Several prominent businesses in the city will also be pretty in pink as they light up specially for the occasion.

Edinburgh Castle is due to glow bright pink on the night, joined by John Lewis, Harvey Nichols, the Bank of Scotland headquarters on The Mound and ScotlandsPeople Centre. One wall of the Western General Hospital will shine bright to show support from its breast unit and Edinburgh City Council will light up the National Monument.

Chaplin's famous open-top Disco Bus will join in the fun, donning pink colours and blasting out music to rally the walkers.

If you fancy a cup of pink tea, the Balmoral Hotel will be selling the posh brew. It also has a special pink cocktail on offer.

Several residents across the city are playing their part, too.

Edinburgh College of Art students have designed bras which are being displayed in the front window of Jenners.

Top Scottish designers Niki Taylor and Chloe Patience have also created luxury bras to auction off at a charity event after the walk.

More than 1,000 people have signed up to volunteer, although Walk the Walk is still encouraging those with nothing to do on Saturday night to come forward.

Sally Orr, a spokesman for the organisation, said they were delighted with the city's efforts. She said: "We've had a huge amount of support from people walking, volunteering, decorating and sponsoring. Making more than 3m is definitely within our grasp."