Jeanette’s story:-
“On Saturday 16th May, I’ll be taking part in my 20th MoonWalk London – the event is a huge part of my year and I can’t wait! I’ve been having treatment for secondary breast cancer for almost two years now and due to my health, I’ve signed up for the New Moon 10K this time, having mostly completed the Full Moon (26.2 miles) previously. MoonWalk organisers, cancer charity Walk the Walk couldn’t have timed putting on their new 10K challenge any better – it means that I can still be part of the MoonWalk party which I love so much.
I was first diagnosed with breast cancer more than 30 years ago, when I was only 34, and then again at the end of 2020.
There was no history of breast cancer in my family, so it was a bit of a shock both times. After my second diagnosis, I had a mastectomy and a reconstruction. Just two weeks before The MoonWalk London 2024, I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, in my bones, liver and lymph nodes. I called it my “health hiccup” at the time. My doctor advised me to step down from the Full Moon to the Half Moon (15.1 miles) that year as a result. I was gutted – I wanted to do the 26.2 miles so badly, but I had to do what I was told. Well sort of!!
When I got to the finish line after completing our half marathon, I said to my daughter and sister, “can we go again?”
After doing all the training for the Full Moon I just wasn’t ready to stop! To be fair, I got to walk through some different parts of London which I don’t normally get to see, so it was all good. The atmosphere was electric and everyone was buzzing. It’s amazing how many people are out at that time in the morning clapping and whooping you along.
At The MoonWalk London 2024
Not long after The MoonWalk London 2024, I started my treatment. I’m on my third line of treatment now, as the last two stopped working. The new one has only been used by the NHS for six months and so far, it’s working and I’m feeling well. It’s amazing how research has come along – that’s why we must keep raising awareness and fighting this horrible disease.
My treatment basically keeps my cancer (which I call Kevin!) under control.
It isn’t a cure. If my current treatment regime stops working, we will look at other options, but for now, everything seems to be fine. Kevin is under the thumb! Sometimes I feel a little bit of a fraud, because I don’t feel unwell as such. I’m not “living with cancer”, it’s more a case of letting cancer live with me and not letting Kevin dictate my life. My body, my rules.
2025 was an amazing year. I was in invited to do local radio and television interviews for Walk the Walk and then I received an invitation to Buckingham Palace with Walk the Walk for the King’s Cancer Charity reception. I went with six other wonderful people who have been volunteering or taking part in Walk the Walk events over the years. It was a fab day, we all got on really well and I even managed to talk and shake hands with the King! Great memories – I still pinch myself and ask myself if it really did happen!
In 2025 I did the Full Moon (26.2 miles) with my son, sister-in-law and a good friend – a lady I met on the start line a few years ago. That’s what The MoonWalk does! It brings people together for this wonderful cause.
We had a FAB time, meeting people along the way and just generally enjoying the energy and spirit of the night. As for 2026, it’s my 20th MoonWalk and I just have to be part of it. I’m so excited and proud to take on the New Moon 10K. I was so looking forward to taking on the Full Moon again, but I need to be sensible and listen to my body, I’d rather finish than fail! My daughter and my 14 year old grandson are doing the 10K with me this year. Rachel says it’s to “Keep an eye on me ” – as if I’m going to misbehave!!!
With Walk the Walk Founder Nina Barough CBE
My wonderful son is doing the Full Moon (26.2 miles) by himself and he said “I’m doing it for you Mum because you can’t”.
I cried like a baby when he said that – I’ve definitely got the family involved now.
Walking is such a big part of my life, I love the atmosphere of The MoonWalk, I love what the event is about, I love walking through London overnight and above all, the event is so much fun. I really enjoy decorating my bra every year, coming up with ever more outrageous costumes! There are always so many ideas in my head.
Ever since I started taking part in The MoonWalk, it’s been very personal for me – I’ve obviously had breast cancer myself, but I also lost both my mother-in-law and a few friends to this horrible disease. They never had the chance to walk, so I walk for them.
The money we raise every year makes such a big difference – as it gets granted by MoonWalk organisers Walk the Walk to such a huge variety of amazing projects. To anyone thinking of signing up this year, I would say, jump out of your comfort zone and do something AMAZING that will make a difference. Just go for it!”
Thank you for sharing your story Jeanette and we look forward to seeing you and your family at The MoonWalk London 2026.