From inspiring hundreds of thousands of people to take on walking challenges in support of people affected by cancer – to driving sheep across the Thames! Nina Barough CBE, Founder of cancer charity Walk the Walk, exercised her ancient right this weekend to drive a flock of sheep across the River Thames in London.
Nina joined around 1,500 Freemen of the City of London on Sunday for the annual Sheep Drive across Southwark Bridge. The unique event came after Nina was awarded the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of her contribution to public health and cancer support.
Around half a million people have now taken on Walk the Walk challenges, including the charity’s flagship overnight fundraising event, The MoonWalk London, raising almost £150 million since 1996.
Nina was joined at the Sheep Drive by fellow Freeman Gloria Hunniford OBE, the broadcaster and long-standing cancer campaigner, who has also recently been admitted to the Freedom of the City. For the two women, the historic ceremony offered a remarkable moment of shared recognition for decades of work supporting people affected by cancer.
In 2021, Walk the Walk was the principal funder of Action Cancer’s new Big Bus, a mobile breast screening service providing screening for women across Northern Ireland. The service is particularly important for women aged 40–49 and 70 and over, who fall outside the routine NHS breast screening age range of 50–70. Walk the Walk is currently campaigning to lower the minimum age for routine breast screening.
Nina Barough CBE said:
“It has been such a very special honour to receive the Freedom of the City of London and not least of all to complete the ceremony by driving sheep across Southwark Bridge. It was an extraordinary experience but wonderful to share the day with many others including friends, family, and Walk the Walk supporters – flying the charity’s flag at such a high-profile event and being a small part of something so traditional and historic.
Thirty years ago, when I founded Walk the Walk, and had just been treated for breast cancer, I could never have envisaged the impact that we would have on the research, diagnosis, and care of breast cancer for women and men. For me personally this experience was the icing on the cake; there is certainly life after breast cancer”!
Nina stood down as Chief Executive of Walk the Walk at the end of 2025 and remains as Founder. She was succeeded as Chief Executive by David Wright.
Ends
Download images from the Sheep Drive, held on Sunday 27th September and a full history of Walk the Walk here
Notes to Editors
For all interviews, please contact:
- Jennifer Broh – [email protected] | 07974 107999
- Zoe Fawcett – [email protected] | 07931 930805
- www.walkthewalk.org
The MoonWalk London 2027
- Entries are now open for The MoonWalk London 2027 at www.walkthewalk.org
- Saturday 15 May 2027, 8pm – Sunday 16 May 2027, 1pm
- Starts and finishes at Clapham Common, London
- Walking distances available: New for 2027 – 10 miles. Plus regular favourites 26.2 miles, 15.1 miles and 10k.
The Freedom of the City of London
- The Freedom of the City of London is one of the City’s oldest surviving traditions, dating back to the 13th century.
- Originally linked to the rights and privileges of Freemen, it is now awarded to people who have made an outstanding contribution to London and public life.
About Walk the Walk
• Walk the Walk is a cancer charity, which exists to inspire and empower people to live healthier lives, help reduce their risk of cancer and take positive action, through being active, embracing healthier lifestyles and furthering research
• The charity also supports those affected by cancer and is targeting a future where people live healthier lives, fewer face cancer and no one goes through it alone
• Since 1996, Walk the Walk has raised more than £148 million, through walking challenges and treks, ranging from 5k to 100 miles and more
• It is best known as organiser of the overnight MoonWalk fundraising events, including its flagship, The MoonWalk London
• The MoonWalk is a challenge which anyone can take on, whatever their fitness level, experience or circumstances.
• Walkers taking part in these events wear Walk the Walk’s statement decorated bras or brightly coloured bra t-shirts