From decorated bras and late night walks to pioneering research and national campaigns, the last 30 years have been filled with extraordinary moments. Thanks to the passion, determination and generosity of our supporters, we’ve raised almost £150 million and helped change countless lives affected by cancer. Join us as we take a walk through the decades, celebrating the milestones, memories and movement that have brought us to where we are today – and the next steps still to come.
The Beginning 1996 – 1999
It all started in 1996 with Nina’s dream. Thirteen women in bras, power walking the New York City Marathon. By 1998, the first MoonWalk London began. Just 60 people, but a movement in the making. We raised £25,000 that year and proved that ordinary people can change lives!
The decorated bra became a cultural symbol with Jimmy Choo creating one of the earliest bras worn by Nina in a photoshoot with the Spice Girls.
Growing Together 2000 – 2004
As we grew, so did our ambition. From fundraising to real impact…championing integrated cancer care, when emotional and physical support was almost non-existent. We were a founding funder of the Generations Study – 40 years of research, involving more than 100,000 women, changing what we know about breast cancer.
In 2004, His Majesty King Charles ||| became Patron… a relationship that continues today.
Voice of Change 2005 – 2009
We found our voice as a force for change, not just raising money, but shaping the future of cancer treatment. Funding helped develop PARP inhibitors, a new class of targeted drugs still transforming lives today. We also campaigned for 14 years until NHS hospitals began investing in scalp cooling equipment.
Making A Difference 2010 – 2014
We became a founding partner of the UK’s first national breast cancer tissue bank and helped open Maggie’s Centres in Scotland – spaces offering vital emotional support to people living with cancer.
In Edinburgh, new facilities opened their doors, bringing better care to thousands of breast cancer patients.
The bras of this era reflected a charity at full cultural reach and a movement firmly in the national conversation.
McLaren’s bras signed by Lewis Hamilton
Reaching Further 2015 – 2019
A new Maggie’s Centre in Forth Valley was named the Nina Barough Building. Our Men Get Breast Cancer Too campaign challenged the taboo that had gone on too long.
The bras of this era were among the most extraordinary yet! Sandy Powell OBE, three-time Academy Award winner created a BAFTA – inspired piece made from filmstrips, in tribute to friends and family lost to breast cancer.
The Proclaimers’ bra, complete with an embedded sound system playing 500 Miles captured the joy and spirit at the heart of the movement.
Never Standing Still 2020 – 2025
Emergency grants helped organisations across the UK through an unprecedented time. Research funded broke new ground, with a five-year fellowship exploring how breast cancer cells spread to the brain, one of the most complex frontiers in secondary breast cancer.
Creativity never stopped. Astronaut Tim Peake signed the extraordinary Space Bra outfit, inspired by Sokol space suit.
The Next Steps 2026 and the Future
Thirty years on from the first steps, we are calling on Parliament to act on three missions:
- Widen access to mammograms and catch cancer earlier
- Update cancer prevention education in schools
- Formally recognise walking as a vital tool for prevention and recovery on the NHS
Over three decades, our steps have raised almost £150 million, funding breakthroughs and changing countless lives. The decorated bra, once an unusual dream, is now recognised around the World. Now it’s time to take the next steps…
Walk the Walk team with Woking MP Will Forster, at The Houses of Parliament on World Cancer Day 2026