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Nina Barough CBE, Founder of cancer charity Walk the Walk has been awarded the prestigious Freedom of the City of London, at a ceremony held on Friday 26th June 2026.
The honour recognises Nina’s exceptional contribution to public health and cancer support, over the past three decades.
During this time, she has inspired half a million people to take on a Walk the Walk challenge, including the iconic overnight fundraising event, The MoonWalk London.
How Nina started Walk the Walk
• In 1996, Nina was running her own styling and production company when she had the idea of power walking a marathon in a decorated bra to raise money for breast cancer. She led 13 women through the New York City Marathon, raising £25,000
• Just two months later, she found a lump in her breast. Diagnosed with breast cancer, she underwent a mastectomy, breast reconstruction, radiotherapy and hormone treatment. With her surgeon’s blessing, she delayed surgery to complete the London Marathon in 1997
• This was the first step towards the creation of the iconic MoonWalk London overnight fundraising event, which continues to this day
Nina’s impact with Walk the Walk
• Since 1996, Nina has built Walk the Walk into one of the UK’s most impactful cancer charities, raising more than £148 million.
• More than half a million people have taken part in Walk the Walk events
• Walk the Walk raises awareness and funds for cancer prevention, research, and the emotional and physical care of those living with cancer.
• Nina is also a leading advocate for walking as a tool for health and wellbeing and the author of two books published by Dorling Kindersley
Nina Barough CBE commented:
I am deeply honoured and incredibly proud to receive The Freedom of the City of London. This award acknowledges the founding of Walk the Walk and the commitment the charity has made towards changing so many lives. We have achieved this by advancing research, helping to make integrated care more freely available, and promoting the importance of good health and wellbeing as a form of prevention against breast and other cancers.
Whilst this recognition is in my name, it reflects the wonderful passion, generosity, and commitment of the many thousands of people who have Walked the Walk and whose lives we have touched. From each and every walker and volunteer to our supporters, partners, and beneficiaries, and not least of all the tireless dedication of the Walk the Walk Team, our ethos and purpose have repeatedly shown the mountains that can be climbed and the challenges conquered when people come together.
What began as a dream 30 years ago has grown into something far greater than I ever imagined. Learning about the history behind the Freedom and suddenly becoming part of that heritage, joining the remarkable individuals who have gone before me, made the occasion even more special.
What a day to treasure. I will certainly look forward to the new experience of driving my sheep across London Bridge later in the year!”
Alastair Currie, Chair of Trustees at Walk the Walk, said:
“On behalf of the Trustees, I am absolutely delighted that Nina has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London. This honour is richly deserved and recognises not only her extraordinary vision and determination, but also the profound impact she has had on the lives of countless people affected by cancer. What began as a single fundraising idea has, under Nina’s leadership, grown into a charity that has raised more than £148 million, supported groundbreaking research and inspired hundreds of thousands of people to walk, fundraise and take positive steps towards better health.
Everyone at Walk the Walk is immensely proud to see Nina’s achievements recognised in this way. This honour is a fitting tribute to her unwavering commitment over the past 30 years and to the remarkable community she has inspired.”
The Freedom of the City of London dates back to the 13th century and is awarded to individuals in recognition of their outstanding contribution to London and public life. Today, it celebrates those who have made a lasting and positive impact on society.
The ceremony was attended by close friends and supporters, marking a significant milestone in Barough’s life and in the legacy of the charity she built from the ground up. Barough joins a distinguished group of recent recipients including, Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes and TV presenter Gloria Hunniford, individuals celebrated not only for their achievements, but for their wider contribution to society and public life.
Ends
To arrange an interview with Nina Barough CBE, please contact:
- Zoe Fawcett [email protected] 07931 930805
- www.walkthewalk.org
NOTES TO EDITORS
Nina Barough CBE
- Download a full biography of Nina here
- Nina has strong links to both Leicester (where she went to school and grew up) and to Nottingham (where she had her treatment for breast cancer and from where she founded Walk the Walk)
- Nina now lives in Wokingham, Berkshire
- Walk the Walk has its headquarters in Woking, Surrey,
About Walk the Walk
- Walk the Walk is a cancer charity, which is passionate about encouraging women and men to become more aware of their potential for their own well-being by becoming fitter and healthier.
- The charity is best known as the organiser of its flagship overnight MoonWalk fundraising events.
- Walkers taking part in these events wear the charity’s statement decorated bras or brightly coloured bra t-shirts, to raise awareness and funds for cancer prevention, research, and the emotional and physical care of those living with cancer.
- Walk the Walk specialises in creating walking challenges and treks ranging from 5km to 100 miles and more.
- Walk the Walk also started the campaigns that Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too, and Anyone Can Get Breast Cancer, raising awareness for men.
- Walk the Walk has raised in excess of £148 million to date.