Patron His Majesty King Charles III

After three decades at the helm of Walk the Walk, founder and CEO Nina Barough CBE has announced that she will be stepping down. This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the charity, as it evolves with fresh goals and objectives while continuing Nina’s legacy of making the greatest possible impact – not only for those living with cancer but also in prevention by advocating walking as part of an active lifestyle.

From its beginnings in 1996, when Nina led a team to walk the New York City Marathon in bras to raise funds for breast cancer, Walk the Walk has grown into a multi-million-pound charity which has His Majesty The King as its patron. To date, it has raised over £146 million and inspired over half a million people to take on walking challenges that change lives.

Under Nina’s visionary leadership, Walk the Walk has achieved a remarkable list of accomplishments, including:

  • Funding ground-breaking research that has transformed the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
  • Championing integrated care, which was almost non-existent when the charity began
  • Advocating for lifestyle choices and physical activity as vital components of health, wellbeing, and cancer prevention – now supported by robust evidence.
  • Establishing the original and iconic marathon night walk the MoonWalk London, Scotland and Iceland
  • Establishing the first awareness campaigns for male breast cancer: ‘Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too’ and ‘Anyone Can Get Breast Cancer’.

Building on these achievements, Walk the Walk is committed to expanding its reach, inspiring new generations of walkers, and funding research that addresses tomorrow’s health challenges.

Nina will continue to be involved in Walk the Walk in a trustee capacity championing the causes the charity has worked for over the last three decades.

Alastair Currie Chair of Walk the Walk Trustees said:

I’d like to thank Nina for the many years of hard work, dedication and the vision that she created, that has made Walk the Walk what it is today. We are all incredibly proud of what has been achieved, and the difference that Walk the Walk continues to make towards breast and other cancers. Nina will continue to be involved as a Trustee. Meanwhile a search is underway for a new CEO.

Reflecting on her decision, Nina said:

There is never a good time to go. The past five years, following the pandemic, have been incredibly challenging for all charities, and stepping down during that time would not have been the right thing to do. Who knew that a one-off fundraising event in 1996 would consume the next 30 years of my life? I am so proud of all that Walk the Walk has achieved and deeply grateful to every supporter and fundraiser who has said YES to Walking the Walk and believing in our mission. Together, we’ve encouraged thousands to step outside their comfort zones and experience life-changing moments. Long may that continue!

As I move forward to pursue personal ambitions, continue my passion for health and wellbeing, and spend more time with my family, Walk the Walk will always hold a big piece of my heart. And you can be sure – I’ll always be ready to join you for a good walk!

The charity’s next chapter will focus on strengthening its flagship events, including the MoonWalk London, and exploring new initiatives to further its mission of promoting health and preventing cancer.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

  • Nina founded Walk the Walk in 1996 and has served as CEO for almost 30 years.
  • The charity began with a one-off event: a team walking the New York City Marathon in bras to raise funds for breast cancer.
  • Nina’s accolades include:
    • CBE
    • Honorary Doctorate from Napier University, Edinburgh
    • Fundraiser of the Year (2008)
    • Woman of the Year (2008)
  • Walk the Walk has enjoyed the support of His Majesty The King, Patron since 2004.
  • Nina is the author of three books, including her latest: Walk Yourself Well (DK, 2025).
  • Over 30 years, Walk the Walk has raised £146 million and delivered far-reaching impact:
    • Funding major research shaping cancer diagnosis and treatment
    • Building Cancer Help Centres
    • Promoting prevention through lifestyle and wellbeing initiatives

For more information, please contact:

www.walkthewalk.org