Why I did the New Moon at The MoonWalk Scotland

My story:

The MoonWalk Scotland 2014 gave me the opportunity to give something back, to say thank you for the love and compassion that I had received in spades over the last year.

A bit more than a year ago, I discovered a lump in a breast self-exam. As for many before me, and many who will come after – the diagnosis of breast cancer came as a deeply visceral shock to the system. My course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy lasted until the end of November, and the new year saw the surgical phase. I have been incredibly fortunate in having fantastic medical care and support through this ordeal. I will never forget the lovely nurses who confidently and cheerfully injected me with poisons, or cared for me on my visits to the ward. They are all true heroines!

Dealing with breast cancer touches you, and all those around you, on so many levels. But support is available in many guises – not only medical. Learning to tie head scarves (even though I stuck with my surfer-chic wig until my hair grew back) gave me additional confidence. And the “Look good, feel better” make-up class was a hoot – what a goodie bag!

As I started to get my life back on track, I saw the MoonWalk as a way to give something back. It was also an impetus to get out and get some exercise! My training was at first short walks, but has gradually increased to 2.5 km. Walking through the spring watching the flowers bloom, and the hearing the birds sing in the morning has been truly life-affirming. Training for the New Moon 10K inspired me not only to get exercise after a personally and physically grueling time, but also to fundraise for Walk the Walk who do so much amazing work. All told, incredibly generous sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues has come to over £2300!

The atmosphere on the night was so positive, the volunteers all so encouraging, and to see Edinburgh’s landmarks bedecked in pink lighting in solidarity with the MoonWalk was breath-taking. It was 4 miles before I even noticed a distance marker, and I was almost sad to turn off at the 10K point! Meeting and chatting with Nina Barough at the finish line confirmed however that it was the right distance for me at the time… The MoonWalk was an extraordinarily electrifying and energizing experience, and I look forward to the Half Moon 20K in 2015!

Margarete

Join us on the 10^th June 2017 at The MoonWalk Scotland in Edinburgh... choose your distance and come and take a Walk on the wild side with our ‘Jungle Safari’ theme... unite with us against breast cancer and help make a difference.