PRESS RELEASE - Lift off! Space Bra launches countdown to the Virtual MoonWalk.

Lift off! Space Bra launches countdown to the Virtual MoonWalk 

The MoonWalk London is going virtual THIS SATURDAY (15TH May), with the theme “Out of this World”. In a space mission like no other, a special “Space Bra” has been created to mark the occasion.

The bra has been designed by Boadicea Design in collaboration with UK Space Agency, the Association for Science and Discovery Centres and signed by astronaut Tim Peake. It is based on the Sokul Suit which is worn by astronauts going up to the International Space Station.

Tim Peake said: "There may be more in common between Walk the Walk and space than you might think. On the International Space Station, we have been researching cancer therapies such as microencapsulation - enabling targeted delivery for effective treatment and fewer side effects. Walk the Walk is a fantastic charity and I'm delighted to support them in their valuable work." 

Another fascinating coincidence is that the first spacesuits were too rigid and bulky and NASA started a search to find a solution. This was found at Playtex – producers of bras and girdles – a previous sponsor of The MoonWalk! And so Playtex seamstresses were part of the manufacture of the softer, more flexible Apollo spacesuits which followed.

Decorated bras are the unique and fun trade-mark of MoonWalk organisers, grant making breast cancer charity Walk the Walk and have been instrumental in the charity raising over £133 million for research and vital breast cancer causes.

At The MoonWalks women and men proudly wear decorated bras as they take on their Midnight challenges. For the Virtual MoonWalk, walkers are carrying on the tradition by decorating their bras and many will be wearing them attached to their bumbags.

The bras worn at the very start of the Walk the Walk journey were auctioned and raised a lot of money. But since then Walk the Walk has been working on a collection which can be featured in exhibitions to raise even more awareness that breast cancer is not selective and can affect anybody.

Alison ‘Bod’ Stephenson at Boadicea Design said: “As a designer and maker I have produced a number of Sokul Suit ‘replica’ costumes in partnership with UK Space Agency and Association for Science and Discovery Centres. These were first used to promote exhibitions in science centres across the UK when astronaut Tim Peake travelled to the International Space Station in December 2015. Taking colours and details from the Sokul Suit design, I have created the Space Bra Outfit, which has been a fun project with a serious message. I’m delighted to support Walk the Walk and help raise awareness of breast cancer.” 

Dr Alice Bunn, International Director at the UK Space Agency, said: “Collaboration is the cornerstone of space exploration and it is only by working together that we will be able to beat breast cancer. We’re delighted with the outfit inspired by Tim Peake’s spacesuit. Having completed The MoonWalk before, I know what an inspirational event it is and I hope as many people as possible will take part, raising vital funds and enjoying a wonderful experience.”  

Shaaron Leverment, CEO (Acting) of the ASDC said: “At the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres we have a vision to support people of all ages, genders, background and experiences to be involved in the sciences. This one-of-a-kind Space bra is truly 'Out of this World' and does just that! An eye-catching design that will no doubt capture the attention and imagination of all who see it, raising awareness that breast cancer affects everybody and inspiring more people to get involved in Walk the Walk. We are very proud to be part of this wonderful, creative collaboration and the important message behind it.”

DOWNLOADS
Download free to use images HERE

Sokul Spacesuit image

Space Bra photos: 

• Space Bra images 1-6
• Space Bra image 7 – including Tim Peake signature

The MoonWalk London image

Walk the Walk Designer Bras

• Image 1 Michael Condron - HG Wells' War of the Worlds bra
• Image 2 Star Trek, by Wicked costume department
• Image 3 McLaren - Formula 1 bra
• Image 4 Jeff Banks Rock n Roll bra
• Image 5 WTW Founder and Chief Executive Nina Barough wearing a Zandra Rhodes bra, alongside a MoonWalker in his own creation
• Image 6 Playtex

Click here to find out more about the history of bras and Walk the Walk!

Forr more information contact: 

• Sally Orr: 07796 080675 [email protected]
• Jennifer Broh: 07974 107999 [email protected]
  

Notes to Editors:

The Virtual MoonWalk London 

• Saturday 15th May 2021
• Four walking challenges to choose from: 6.55 miles (New Moon), 13.1 miles (Half Marathon,) 26.2 miles (Full Marathon), 52.4 miles (Over The Moon Ultra)
• There will be 3 official start times throughout the day 6.30am – 8.30am – 10.30am, so that Walk the Walk can offer support to those taking part. Some walkers may choose different times to those above.
• Entrance fee £35 for all adults (receiving full event pack). £15 for under 12’s taking on the 6.55 miles New Moon (receiving medal only)
• Minimum age for the Half Marathon and Full Marathon is 13 years old on event day
  Minimum age for Over the Moon Ultra – Back to Back Marathon is 18 years old on event day
• Over The Moon participants are asked to raise a minimum of £200 in fundraising. Other Walkers are asked to raise a minimum of £100
• All Walkers other than those under the age of 13 will receive a Walk the Walk Bra T-shirt, a bra to decorate, a unique event cap, a space blanket, a downloadable walker number, Training Plans and safety advice for taking on the challenge, regular emails and full support throughout the lead up to and on the event day. A congratulations certificate and a medal on proof of completion.
• Sign up now at walkthewalk.org

Walk the Walk 

• Walk the Walk is a grant-making health charity, specialising in promoting the benefits of Walking as an important part of cancer prevention as well as for overall mental health and physical wellbeing
• Walk the Walk raises funds by creating and organising a variety of walking and trekking challenges across the world
• HRH The Prince of Wales is the official Patron of Walk the Walk
• During the restrictions placed on events due to Covid-19 Walk the Walk has been forced to look at creating alternative and exciting Virtual events in order to keep people walking and healthy, as well as raising vital funds. This includes the first Virtual MoonWalk London
• The MoonWalk is Walk the Walk’s flagship event, held in London, Scotland and Iceland, with women and men taking on their overnight walking challenges wearing brightly decorated bras to raise awareness.
• Walk the Walk has raised more than £133 million since it walked its first challenge in 1996
• The funds raised are granted to charities and organisations across the UK where it can achieve the most good, as well as funding Walk the Walk’s own projects.
• Evidence now shows that being active and lifestyle choices are important factors in prevention against cancer and other diseases.
• At this time funds are granted to research into secondary cancers and to also support front line services and the impact that Covid-19 has had on those living with cancer
• Visit walkthewalk.org for updates about all Walk the Walk’s virtual fundraising events and to make a donation.