Ann at the finish line of the Over The Moon (52.4 miles) challenge at the MoonWalk Scotland 2014 with her husband Bill and daughter Kirsten, who both volunteered at the event.
“I’ll be taking on my 19th consecutive MoonWalk Scotland in September – I’ve taken part every single year since it started. Being part of this amazing event has changed my life and helped me fall in love with walking, which has been so beneficial for my health, both mentally and physically. The fact that I’m helping a wonderful charity like Walk the Walk to fund so many vital projects across Scotland for people with cancer has been absolutely fantastic too.
I first got involved with The MoonWalk back in 2006, when I signed up for the Full Moon (26.2 miles) with a group of mums from school. There were about a dozen of us and one of the husbands drove us down to Edinburgh, then stayed until we had finished and drove us home again! Our main reason for taking part that first time was to get fit. However, there was also the social aspect and the fact that we would be getting to know each other better.
Before that first Full Moon, long distance walking definitely hadn’t been on my agenda and I had never completed a marathon. The only walking I did was with the dog! I definitely wasn’t a runner and in fact I’ve always found running rather painful on my knees. Walking is so much more inclusive and such an accessible form of exercise.
I’ll admit that my first MoonWalk was a real challenge – but I remember so vividly that the wonderful atmosphere really lifted me. We had such an amazing night and I loved being part of it. It was so magical. I originally planned to do The MoonWalk maybe a couple of times, but then it became addictive. A good addiction, obviously.
Registration opened each year and I just couldn’t resist signing up. I came back year after year and the third time, Vania, the mother of one of my daughter’s friends, joined us. I went on to complete The MoonWalk with Vania for many, many years afterwards. I’m so lucky that I live near to Tentsmuir Forest, and have done a lot of my training walks there, which I really love. The forest is just a couple of miles from where I live – it’s huge and great to wander around.
Ann’s MoonWalk Scotland medals
Having done The MoonWalk so many times, I have plenty of memories and stories to tell.
One year, I had a fall in Queen’s Street and gave myself a horrendous black eye. But I still managed to finish the last couple of miles with an ice pack over my face!
In 2014, I completed the 52.4 miles Over The Moon challenge – walking two circuits of the marathon route back-to-back. I did that with Vania and it felt like such a huge achievement – I’m still not quite sure how I did it, but I was well prepared, doing a lot of training beforehand. My daughter Kirsten had walked a single marathon that night, then volunteered on the finish line afterwards – it was very emotional and such a special moment, when she presented me with my Over The Moon medal! My husband Bill was a volunteer cyclist that night and he was there too. A very proud family moment.
Each time I take part in The MoonWalk, I love seeing all the famous landmarks across Edinburgh lit up pink. I particularly enjoy the section of the route going up Arthur’s Seat and the beautiful view out onto the city with all the buildings lit up. But my favourite part of the night is always the start. As we prepare to set off late on the Saturday evening, everyone is so friendly and there are broad smiles across the faces of every single walker and volunteer. I’m sad that The MoonWalk is leaving Edinburgh, but all these wonderful memories will stay with me.
The MoonWalk has had such a huge impact on me over the last 19 years. Walking is a massive part of my life now and I’ve also walked a number of long-distance trails, such as the South Downs Way and the Camino, with my husband. Walking isn’t only good for my physical health, I find that it’s been such a huge benefit for my mental health too. I’m now a bank nurse at Ninewells hospital and I often walk home from work when I finish my shift. It’s a seven and a half mile walk and my colleagues laugh at me and ask me if I want a lift! I always turn down their kind offer. Walking home is such a nice way to end my day and reflect on what’s happened during my shift. When I get home, I feel totally de-stressed.
I can’t wait to take part in The MoonWalk again this year – this time I’m doing the Half Moon with my daughter Kirsten. To anyone thinking of signing up, I’d say just do it! It’s a fantastic night and you’re doing it for two great causes – the charity of course, but also for your own health”.
Thank you for sharing your story Ann – we look forward to seeing you at The MoonWalk Scotland 2025!