Michelle shares her MoonWalk story

In 2010 I remember sitting in my PJs with a cuppa in hand watching GMTV. Lorraine Kelly was talking about an event she had just taken part in and I just remember being drawn in by the story of her experience and thinking ‘I want to do that’. It took until 2013 to persuade some friends to take part with me and despite it being one of the most physically and emotionally challenging things I had ever done, I was hooked. 

As the years passed I continued to sign up for The MoonWalk Scotland with a childhood friend and I also did The MoonWalk London as well as The MoonWalk Scotland in 2015. Despite always having someone going to the event with me, we had different walking paces so until 2017 I had walked most of the events by myself.

In 2017 I had convinced a group of new friends from my Boogie Bounce class to take part with me and soon 2 became 12. I excitedly decorated about 5 of the jungle theme bras (one of my favourite parts) and we made our way to The MoonWalk Scotland. It was an amazing year as it was one of the first ones I had done where I walked with friends by my side, each pushing each other as the hours passed.

One of the ladies that took part was previously a MoonWalk Volunteer and finally managed to take part pushing through all the boundaries to grab that medal she had always said she would have one day. Another two of our ladies cemented their very own love story, making the event memorable to them. It was a fab year where I crossed the finish line 3 times as I walked back to help and encourage all the girls over the finish line, something I said I would do when I encouraged them to sign up. And, amongst the tears and tantrums and aches and pains and blisters, there was laughs and giggles and smiles galore. So much so that half of the ladies signed up to do The MoonWalk London and The MoonWalk Scotland the following year.

I could never underplay just how difficult the event is, but it is beyond rewarding and worth every ache and pain endured and I would absolutely encourage anyone thinking of giving it a go to do so. Training is a must, you may think you are ‘only walking’ but it’s a tough challenge on the mind as well as the body. However, just when you think you can’t go any further and your legs are done, you need sleep you will meet someone who will tell you that every step you take is giving them extra time with their loved ones. I can guarantee the tears you shed won’t just be from the physical pain.

MoonWalk... I love you! I always eagerly await the theme for next year so I can start on my bras x

If you're feeling inspired by Michelle's amazing journey why not  Register your Interest for The MoonWalk Scotland 2020 (date still tbc).. or enter The MoonWalk London 2020 now!