PRESS RELEASE - Be a Holyrood Star at The MoonWalk Scotland

Volunteers high-five Walkers at The MoonWalk Scotland

Walk the Walk is calling on people to sparkle like a Holyrood star by volunteering at The MoonWalk Scotland on Saturday 9th June.

The grant-making breast cancer charity is looking for fantastic Volunteers to help at the event which starts and finishes at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh.

From marshalling and helping in the baggage tent, to handing out water or being part of the cheer squad on the route – there is a role for everyone! Whether you’ve got a few hours to spare, or you are able to help throughout the night, every second makes a huge difference to the success of the event. No experience is required – you just need good people skills and the flexibility to work as part of a team.

Ian Mycko, 62, from Edinburgh, has volunteered as a Driver at every single MoonWalk Scotland, since it started in 2006. He said:

“It’s my birthday on the Saturday of The MoonWalk and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend it!

Like most people, I have had friends and family who have been affected by cancer. In a world where everyone seems to take, it is nice to be able to give something back.

I have been a Driver at all The MoonWalks - I used to be a Taxi driver in Edinburgh, so I have good knowledge of the City. Volunteering gives me a huge feeling of satisfaction, and if my involvement has helped even just one person, then that is terrific.

I would encourage everyone to sign-up to volunteer at The MoonWalk – it is one night of your life and it will be fantastic, full of fun! By coming together, one day we WILL beat this dreadful disease.”

The MoonWalk Scotland will see thousands of Walkers pounding the pavements through the streets of the capital city at Midnight, wearing decorated bras, as they raise money and awareness to help fight breast cancer. This year’s ‘Hollywood comes to Holyrood’ challenge marks the 13th year of the event.

More than 80,000 walkers have taken part in The MoonWalk Scotland since the event started in 1996, and so far, more than £20.5 million has been raised to improve the lives of those living with cancer in the country.

The MoonWalk Scotland 2018 is on Saturday 9 June. To find out more, or to sign up as a volunteer visit walkthewalk.org

ENDS

For more information, photographs and quotes, contact:

• Sally Orr at Walk the Walk. 07796 080 675  [email protected]
• Claire Duncan at Walk the Walk. 01483 741 430 [email protected]

Notes to editors:

Walk the Walk

• Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive, set up and now runs Walk the Walk Worldwide.  
• 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 £125 million.
• As a grant-making charity, all funds are raised for Walk the Walk are 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. 
• Walk the Walk is the principal funder of the Maggie’s Centre at Gartnavel, Glasgow and Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert. A grant was also made towards the Lanark Centre in the grounds of Monklands Hospital in Airdrie. Maggie’s Centres offer support to people diagnosed with all types of cancer, as well as providing emotional support for their families.
• Walk the Walk has also funded the renovation of Ward 6, a new theatre and renovation of the Mammography Unit at the Breast Cancer Institute at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital.
• Walk the Walk is committed to providing funding to hospitals across Scotland and the UK to purchase Scalp Cooling systems, special machines which are helping many people undergoing chemotherapy to retain their hair. Walk the Walk has funded 57 Scalp Coolers in 26 Scottish hospitals.
• ‘The MoonWalk’ is the flagship event of the charity currently held in London, Scotland and Iceland.