Thousands of walkers in bras to invade city in aid of breast cancer

ORGANISERS of this year's MoonWalk are hoping the "Scottish Mardi Gras" theme will help to attract a record-breaking number of fundraisers.

A sea of pink will swarm through the Capital in June, with around 12,000 women and men expected to pound the streets, sporting decorated bras.

Breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, which organises the annual event, is hoping to raise more than 2 million for cancer patients in Scotland.

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, who will take part in her fourth MoonWalk this year, said: "I am really looking forward to doing the MoonWalk Edinburgh again. This one will be extra special as my mum Anne, 67, and daughter Rosie, 15, will be joining me."

The route will start and finish at Inverleith Park, and take in Arthur's Seat, the city centre, Leith and Portobello Promenade.

The founder and chief executive of Walk the Walk, Nina Barough, added: "We know that this year's carnival theme will really capture everybody's imagination.

"Whilst we want every walker to have fun, it is important to also remember Walk the Walk is not just about walking and wearing a bra – it's about life. We have already made a tremendous difference to the quality of life for many cancer patients in Scotland, and we hope to expand our grants even further in 2010."

The MoonWalk, now in its fifth year, has already raised almost 9.6 million. The money raised this year will be donated to breast cancer causes, including the expansion of a programme putting scalp coolers in hospitals across Scotland, which help to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatment.

The Proclaimers have also offered their support. Craig Reid said: "Charlie and I are great supporters of the MoonWalk Edinburgh.

"We had been hoping to take part this year but we are on tour, and so we send our best wishes to everyone involved in The MoonWalk. Congratulations on all your magnificent efforts and continued success."

Salsa Celtica from Edinburgh has been confirmed as one of the bands providing the entertainment before the MoonWalk gets under way.

Nursery assistant Judy Probert, 51, from Murrayfield, has taken part in every MoonWalk since the event started in 2006.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to it, it's just a fantastic event and a beautiful route to walk."

Power walkers will be tackling either the half MoonWalk (13.1 miles) or full MoonWalk (26.2 miles), which only has a small number of places left.

The MoonWalk will take place on 19 June. To register, visit www.walkthewalk.org or call 01483-741430.