Mayor of The MoonWalk! Sadiq Khan supports thousands of bra-wearing walkers at iconic fundraising event

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan waved off huge crowds of walkers on Saturday 11th May, wishing them luck as they set out on their massive midnight marathon challenges.

Organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, the iconic MoonWalk London saw thousands of women and men wearing disco-themed decorated bras walking through the Capital City. Many of London’s famous landmarks lit up pink in honour of people of all ages taking part, ranging from 13 to 84.

Over £2.8 million had been raised, even before one step was taken. Celebrities walkers included Walk the Walk the Walk Ambassador Harriet Thorpe, Gaby Roslin, Catherine Huntley, David Ames, Tom Read-Wilson and Leona Vaughan. 

Taking on huge personal challenges, walkers from not only the UK, but all over the world, were applauded and supported along the route, as the whole city united together to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I am delighted to be here tonight to support and thank every walker taking part in this fantastic event. Breast cancer devastates the lives of many Londoners, but events like this show our city at its vibrant, determined best. The MoonWalk has done an incredible job at raising tens of millions of pounds to help fund research and build awareness of this important cause, and their efforts will continue to offer hope to those affected by breast cancer.”

TV presenter Gaby Roslin took part in her first MoonWalk. She said: "What a joyful time - you get to see London all lit up, meet the most incredible people, and it’s such a positive experience. You hear everybody’s stories and some of the conversations we had were amazing. I’m very lucky, because I do walk and now when I do my usual walking round London, I will want a crowd of thousands with me! Of course, there were some heart-breaking stories, and I was thinking about my beautiful friends who’ve lost their lives through breast cancer, but I think they’re probably watching me saying ‘Ha! Look what you’ve just done’!"

Nina Barough Founder and Executive of Walk the Walk. She said: What a wonderful night 2.8 million raised before anyone had even taken a step out of the park. Just a really magnificent start to the event, leading into the most beautiful, beautiful day. The sun is shining and we have lots of happy finishers a really fantastic MoonWalk!

Walk the Walk has raised more than £130 million since 1996, with the money granted to fund both research into breast cancer and to help improve the lives of those living with cancer now.

For more information about Walk the Walk and The MoonWalk London and to register interest in next year’s event, go to walkthewalk.org

FREE TO USE IMAGES ARE AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD HERE

For more photographs and quotes, contact:

• Sally Orr at Walk the Walk: 07796 080 675 [email protected]
• Walk the Walk’s Press Office: 07922 722657

Notes to Editors:

The MoonWalk London 2019

• Saturday 11th May 2019, Clapham Common  
• Walkers completed either a Half Moon (13.1 + 2 miles) or Full Moon (26.2 miles) challenge
• This year’s theme was ‘Disco Inferno’.
• All participants must be aged 13 and over to take part
• Walkers are asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship
• This is the 22nd MoonWalk London
• For more information, go to www.walkthewalk.org

Walk the Walk

• Walk the Walk specialises in fitness and Power Walking challenges.
• HRH The Prince of Wales is the official Patron of Walk the Walk.
• Walk the Walk has so far raised in excess of £130 million.
• As a grant-making charity, all funds are raised for Walk the Walk and then granted to where the charity feels they will do the most good.
• Walk the Walk funds are granted to projects that not only support research, important to all our future health, but also support a variety of projects that are supporting cancer patients now throughout the UK.
• To date grants have been made to charities and organisations throughout the UK including Breast Cancer Now, Breast Cancer Haven, Penny Brohn UK and hundreds of NHS Hospitals and Trusts for which we supply Scalp Cooling Systems. These are wonderful machines, which help many people undergoing chemotherapy to avoid losing their hair.
• The charity also has a community grant fund which each year grants to smaller organisations. Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, Tenovus Cancer Care, The Christie, Cancer Kin, FACT and others, all receive funds which enable them to continue their work.
• ‘The MoonWalk’ is the flagship event of the charity currently held in London, Scotland and Iceland.