Suzy completes a once in a lifetime challenge at The MoonWalk Iceland

“I can say now that taking part in and completing The MoonWalk Iceland 2024 is the best thing I have ever done for myself, as well as raising money for a cause very close to my heart. 

I’ve supported the wonderful breast cancer charity Walk the Walk for many years. I was on-stage host at their iconic MoonWalk London event for several years and completed the Half Moon walking challenge a number of times too.

Last year, my reason for taking part became personal, when my mum Jeanette was diagnosed with breast cancer.  In 2024, I signed up to do two MoonWalks – the Half Moon (13.1 miles) in London and the 26.2 mile marathon in Iceland – inspired by what my mum has been through, but also as a huge challenge for myself.

Having been diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022 (through the national screening process), my mum Jeanette was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2023, following a routine mammogram. We are lucky that both of Mum’s cancers were discovered purely by chance, thanks to national screening programmes. Mum is keen to emphasise the importance of screening and continues to encourage everyone to take up the opportunity if it’s offered to them. It could save your life, like it did for Mum. She had no symptoms and thankfully the cancers were picked up early.

It was Mum who encouraged me to sign up for The MoonWalk Iceland this year and to simply seize the moment!  2023 was marred with sadness after losing family members and friends, but I felt spurred on to get out of my comfort zone and do something brilliant for myself and others while I can.

The Half Moon in London earlier this year was part of my training for Iceland and I must admit that before I left on the trip, I was a little scared about the prospect of doing a full marathon! But it was a fantastic goal to aim for and I knew that Mum would be a huge inspiration once again.

As a solo traveller, from the moment we all met up at the airport, we were very well looked after. The WTW team were exceptional. They took care of the itinerary from the whale watching trip, exploring the lava fields, hiking up a volcano, viewing stunning waterfalls, puffin spotting, thermal baths, meals out and in the hotel, celebrations and most of all supporting us in preparing for the big walk and cheering us along the way! I have a busy life and I enjoyed relaxing and not having to think about organising myself.

I had never taken on such a distance (26.2 miles) but under the guidance of the team and the camaraderie of the wonderful group of women (and man!) on this trip I was elated to receive my medal at the end. After the hard work of the marathon, the day in Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon was just perfect. 

Iceland is stunning, I urge anyone considering signing up to just do it! Every walker had their own reasons for being there and I’ll never forget the stories, the laughs, tears and general feeling of achievement and togetherness.

For me, it was a once in a lifetime challenge to experience ‘walking the walk’ in incredible surroundings, making lasting friendships and memories.

I wish I’d signed up for events like The MoonWalk Iceland years ago, so my message to everyone is to not wait – just take the plunge and go for it! “

Thank you for sharing your story Suzy!

Sign up now for The MoonWalk Iceland 2025