Breast Cancer Awareness at the Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament hosts Walk the Walk

I have just returned from Edinburgh and wanted to share my thanks to all those that brought such wonderful support and energy to our reception in Scottish Parliament

What a wonderful way to celebrate the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It was just lovely to see many of our avid Walkers, Volunteers and Supporters, many wearing MoonWalk t-shirts and medals, sharing the evening with MSP’s from across Scotland. Like the MoonWalk it bought together all parties in a common cause.

Mary Scanlon MSP, our co–host, welcomed everybody and explained how she has taken part in The MoonWalk Edinburgh and that despite what many people believe, MSP’s from different parties do not always argue. Coming together to show support in Breast Cancer Awareness Month is one of the times, when they are completely united!

Liz McKinnon a District Nurse and a regular Walk the Walker talked about her MoonWalk experience and how taking part is such a positive part of her life. She was followed by Elaine Anderson, Clinical Director of NHS Lothian Breast and Plastic Services at The Breast Cancer Institute, who thanked Walk the Walk for the grants which have made such a difference to the care they are able to offer.

Clinical Trials Nurse Heather McVicars, who is passionate about the Scalp Coolers and played big part in them being granted to The Western General Hospital, talked about how people have the right to choose whether they want to use them or not. There was a Scalp Cooler in the lobby and Margaret from Paxman was able to explain how these amazing machines work.

Our other co-host Drew Smith MSP facilitated an open discussion and Q&A and was somehow persuaded by Jackie Bailie MSP to take part in the MSP’s Team for The MoonWalk 2013 – so  far we have Drew, Mary, Jackie – great to see that they practice what they preach – watch this space to see who is next to sign up!!

…and of course there was yours truly!

What a truly landmark occasion for Walk the Walk and a very special opportunity to put bras to one side for once, and concentrate on what Walk the Walk, with all our supporters help, have achieved in Scotland over the past 7 years. Over £15 million is no mean feat, and something we must all feel very proud of.

So a huge thank you to Mary Scanlon MSP for Highlands and Islands, and to Drew Smith MSP for Glasgow who both sponsored Walk the Walk to hold the reception and Lynda Gauld, who made it happen! Hopefully the awareness of what our amazing charity is achieving will spread far and wide, and I am sure we can expect to  see quite a few MSP’s out pounding the pavements next year!