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Main Content: Our Walkers speak!

We get lots of emails telling us what our walkers think about the night, so here is a small selection, unedited and straight from their emails!


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1. Sharon Doody

it was the hardest thing ive ever done but the atmosphere and support from the helpers was fantastic

2. Sarah  Brown

This isn't a story, but rather a hige thank you to all the volunteers on the night. It was the first time my friend and I had entered the Moonwalk and we had an amazing time. The atmosphere was incredible and the volunteers were absolutely brilliant. All the way along they gave us encouragement and kept us going. We both found the walking particularly tough, especially towards the end, but the volunteers were great and a few really kept an eye and made sure we were ok. We are so proud to have finished it. Huge thanks and what a great night!

3. Nicola Harris

I just wanted to say that for our first Moonwalk we were completely overwhelmed and in awe of the night.Me and my dad had been training hard since January for the half moon since in 'gently' persuaded him to join me! In training, we have lost 1.5 stone each which is so pleasing. To better that, the nurse at our local medical practice was so pleased with us that she filled up 2 sponsor forms of her patients promoting us and the new healthy 'free' exercise that we were doing! Back to the night, we arrived excited, but by no means nervous, looking forward to taking in the atmosphere and enjoying the night. We got our tattos, had some delicious food and sat and relaxed until it was time for green section to go. The walk couldnt have gone any better for us, and we managed to see our supporters along the way which spurred us on. We didnt have a specific reason for joining this particular walk or supporting this charity, but to hear the many stories and see the determination of everyone just makes the moonwalk so special. Our only regret - we didnt sign up for the full moon! I just have fingers crossed that i am accepted next year, i am so desperate to do the full moon. I may even be persuaded to do the London marathon. This has become a lifestyle for me, and thanks to walk the walk, i am fitter, healthier than ever and just want to do more! Thank you walk the walk

4. Ritchie June

it was a very good atmosphere, i found the walk very hard and was determind to finish 26 miles which i did, very well organised ,thanks to the volunteers who kept you going with there support.well worth it for a good cause

5. Marie  Orchard

A brilliant night! Really enjoyed joining with everyone to raise money for a great cause, even though I had an upset tum and was not very well in the night. The portaloos were all as clean as you could hope and the volunteers were fanastic at keeping morale up. Thanks!

6. Natasha De Quincey-Wykes

what a night, or morning in my case. originally it was my mother in law that suggested in doing the moonwalk which then became a team of us. i dont think we really knew what we were letting ourselves in for until the training started. i chose to do this not only to raise money as one of our dear friends was in remission but also as a personal challenge. my mum was also doing it but i should say it probably wasnt through choice as she would drive a mile not walk it! we arrived early on the night and were already shocked at the amount of people gathering. there was no turning back now. i have to say that standing in the tent with all those bra cladded women (whoops and men) was an experience in itself. an utterly amazing sight. well we crossed the start line and already i was nervous of getting through the night. the volunteers were amazing with their cheers and clapping. im sure they had to take the vaseline for their hands! it was a tough morning and we felt this about 9 miles. not good when your doing the full moonwalk!my mum was amazing, she shed tears of anguish and tears of laughter but even though it became very tough, not the walking but the lack of sleep, she battled on and never gave up! eventually we crossed the finish line as a team, keeping each other going throughout.  what a relief it was! one thing from doing this walk became very clear. the amount of women that are affected by breast cancer. the more we told people we were doing this the more people told us they had battled the disease. the 'suffering' our feet went through and the mental challenge of walking was nothing compared to the battles these women have to take.
will we do it again!?of course...but as half mooners x

7. Candice Hannah

This is the 2nd time volunteering (first time was on the route) and was assigned to the Tattoo Team, together with my mother Bridget.   From the time you walk into the Volunteers tent you can feel the excitement generating.  Everyone is so friendly so you are very much at ease straight away.  I met my boss Lesley who had befriended Allison who was on her own.  After a tea/coffee we were on our way having a tour of the site, which is so different when there are not thousands of walkers, just a glow of bright yellow T-shirts and Hats! We arrived at our post and introduced to Aaron our Team Leader and then shown how to apply the tattoos for the night.  Nice and easy except for the cold water.  Had a few goes on each other and other crews from other teams.  Finally at 8pm they came a walking into the tent.  “I am the first in the tent” said one of the walkers very loudly and obviously very excited.  And then it began! We were non-stop with the tattooing.  I would say around 8-9 of us were tattooing (and trying to jig around with the music) and then another 4-5 were collecting the money and keeping the queues in order (Lesley was especially good at this and dancing!) and keeping them excited.  The tattoos were placed on most places of the body.  The pink feet seemed to be the most popular.  All of us were giving then encouragement for the night  Everyone was so excited about being there even though the walk was daunting for some of the first timers.  Knowing how they feel it was great to say to them it is worth it in the end.The BBC Big Band were great and Blake, well they were fantastic especially when they took their jackets off.  We were deafened by the cheers!The lines finished at around 11.45pm a few more were coming through before the last walkers were off.  We all joined in the last warm up with the walkers.  Bit of envy came over me as they were walking out as I wanted to be with them but then the memories of doing the walk came in and thought a cup of tea would do me instead.It was lovely night with Allison, Aaron, Bridget and Lesley and everyone else in our tattoo team (so sorry I cannot remember everyone’s name).  It is a great feeling to be part of such a fantastic event and for such a great cause.  I will try again to be a walker next yearand if I cannot,  I will be signing up again to be a volunteer and would encourage others to do so as well.   Congratulations to all those walkers, volunteers and of course the organisers. Keep it going.  I look forward to 2010

8. Barbara Nash

I just want to say thank you to Charlie who at 22 miles asked to join me, as I was also on my own at this point. Charlie shared her water with me and was my lifeline in keeping me going to the finish line,   I had spent at least 4 miles in mild pain and I was so tired that I was almost incoherent. Somehow my pace and Charlie's increased and we almost sprinted through the finish line.  Charlie, thank you so much.

9. Chrissie Howse

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in August 2008.. It was such a shock. I was one of the lucky ones. My Cancer was in situ. I had a full mastectomy and reconstructionin September 2008. I was very frightened. I was also very lucky I did not have to suffer cheomotherapy. My lovely son David said "you are on a journey Mum. It will be long and hard but you are strong and brave and will get though it". I had wonderful support from my lovely family and friends.  My sister Cathy encouraged me to do the Moon Walk. We trained together and I loved walking. On the actual night I was excited and nervous. It was hard but I felt so very humble. It was the most amazing experience. I knew that everyone had a story. When we approached the finishing line I was overcome with emotion. It was my journey end. I had fought the cancer. I have everything to live for. A wonderful husband, children and granchildren. I feel very privaleged to have taken part. Thank you to all of the amazing volunteers who encouraged us all of the way. Chrissie Howse

10. Wendy Windridge

Last weekend saw my 4th Full Moonwalk and it was another wonderful night. The change of route made it interesting and the rain stayed away thankfully (because who wants to walk with soggy feathers)! Sadly my walking partner had to withdraw and became a volunteer instead - so I walked it on my own but with some 15,000 others. It was great to have a welcome and hug from my dear friend on the South Bank as I passed her station, and huge thanks to all the volunteers who make the miles go by every year with such big smiles and constant encouragement. The stream of pink hats into Hyde Park leading to the big pink tent is such an inspiration in the early sunshine. The end of the 26.2 miles was perfect, as along with my family and friends, I was met on the finish straight by the special lady to whom I dedicated my walk this year. Sally was diagnosed with breast cancer in the spring and despite feeling less than well from her surgery and chemotherapy, made it up to see me over the line with her husband and two of her three small boys. She hadn't ever seen anything like it, but is hoping that if she is well enough, she'll be with me next year! Here's to 2010, and this year I've raised over £3500  for Walk the Walk so huge thanks to all who sponsored me so generously for this worthwhile cause. I only hope that one day I can walk without knowing anyone who has been diagnosed with this cruel disease. Another brilliant Moonwalk! Thankyou!

11. Vivienne Newman

What a FANTASTIC NIGHT, I have participated as a volunteers for the two years previous to this and I am sorry but after this weekend never again I will be walking it from now on.
The night was an emotional, fun and for the last 4 miles painful event but what will I remember most? well it won't be the pain but the feeling of being a small part of such a hugh group of people all joined together to unite against Breast Cancer what an AMAZING bunch of people from the walkers, Volunteers to the Organisers, Celebs and most of all Nina the founder what an insiration YOU ALL ARE!!!
See you again next year xxxx

12. Michelle  Barnes

Hi
I was in a team of 5, Mrs T's Bosom Buddies, we did our walk in memory of Mrs Sally Tanner, who sadly passed away in December 2007, having bravely battled against breast cancer.  We've raised £1600 so far. It was an honour and a priviledge to be able to participate in such a well organised event, and to be amongst such lovely people, who were all doing their bit for this very worthwhile cause.  It was great to see the Paxman Scalp Coolers.  I'd like to thank all the volunteers, this event would not work without their efforts.  I'd definately enter again and for any would-be virgin walkers - this is a challenge, but fun - what you put into life, you get back ten fold.  Nina god bless you xxxx

13. Rita Jay

i t had a wonderful night this is my second moonwalk this time i had a friend with me so it was even better then last can i just thank everyone who worked so hard also the police who cheered us on while crossing roads hope to see everyone next year rita

14. Laura Grewer

I thoroughly enjoyed myself, I thought I was going to have to walk it on my own but found a friend of a friend on the night who was also on her own and we got each other round.  I can't believe London doesn't seem to go to sleep at night but my lasting memory will be of the people on the bus at Marble Arch when we were waiting to cross the road - they looked so flabbergasted at all these women and a few men waiting to cross the road in bras!! I would love to have a go at power walking the other London Marathon if you need volunteers for that-Laura xx

15. Kimberley  Hilton

This was my 3rd full moonwalk having previously completed 2004 and 2008 however this year my old schoolfriend Karen Hunt decided to join me on the night and applied via post due to her missing out on the online entries.obviously i knew i had been accepted and she had to wait patintly either for the postman or her cheque to be debited from her bank account!when she found out she had got in she was so chuffed but then the hard times began...the training!I knew what was involved from my previous times and I had the dream to beat my previous time which was a challenge to me let alone to her who had never done it before!we trained religiously twice a week doing between 6 and 8 miles and then on a saturday we always did a big one gradually adding on 1 mile a week....our final training session we did 20.2 miles in 5hrs and 43 seconds so I knew it was just down to what happened on the night! we started in the green start and I had said to karen as soon as that comes on the screen we need to get outside( we had set up camp in the tent by the green exit door so we knew we had a head start!) We got fairly near to the front of the Q where we could see Paul O grady being interviewed and cross the start line at 11.37...our first 2 miles we did 14 minute miles but then we hit traffic as we had caught up with the yellow start! we carried on and tried to keep up good times with lots of volunteers cheering us on ...what a great atmosphere this people make for us!we had a couple of toilet stops on route and finally came back up to buckingham palace where karens friend Barbara had been all night as a volunteer....at this point she packed up and walked back to hyde park with us....she left us at the top end of hyde park and we had the ;ast two miles to do......we think this was probably the worst 2 miles we had to do...our legs were aching,karen had a crack on her heel that was really sore but we slowed down and thought we are nearly there...at 25 miles I said that if we could do the next 1.2 in 15 minute s we would beat my time from last year which was a great thing for me but an even better achievement for her as it was her first walk......we crossed the lie in 6hrs 31 minutes and 32 seconds which meant that we had beaten my last year time by 1 minute........we are so proud to have been able to join this wonderful cause...we both have people that have had breast cancer and some sadly didnt beat it, some thankfully have......we  have raised over £2000 between us and had some great fun whilst doing it!!!!thankyou so much to all the volunteers and staff from WTW for arranging another great night....roll on next year!

16. Angela Wright

Hi
I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to all the organisers and volunteers for making Saturday nights Moonwalk Great.  also a BIG Well Done to all those that took part.I just completed my 2nd Moonwalk but this year did the Full Moon. Boy do I ache this morning. I also wanted to say a Big thank you to my Training partners who I met through your website, Loraine Tonner, your an inspiration, she did the Fullmoon in 6hrs 3 mins and Jacquie Chambers, your my slave driver and Mrs Motivator, she did it in 6 hrs 35 mins. We are all keeping in touch and have already started talking about training for next year...
I would also like to say a Big well done to my Wobbly Walker team mates, Helen and Sarah, who did the Half Moon and Lesley, my Best Friend, who completed the Full Moon with me, albiet falling over 3 times..
At the finish it was very emotional for us both as the previous week it looked like we wouldnt be walking due to me having a chest Infection and Lesley having a bad hip and back. (however, she did contemplate pulling out when she saw the weather forecast, she cant get her hair wet...) See you next year..RegardsAngela Wright..

17. Karen Neilson

When I first registered, it was with the encouragement of the women from my children's school especially Anna Marie.  However, I thought that they  were doing the full moonwalk so when I went back to school and was then told they were only doing the half marathon I thought "what have I done"  As it happens, there were 4 of us in the end - thank goodness!!!  It was an amazing night, seeing everyone there in the tent both men and women all showing their stunning bra's.  When we did our 20 mile walk, I felt really bad towards the end and wondewred if I would be able to finish on the night.  But seeing everyone and listening to the singing as we walked was really great.  Plus my husband Mike and my 4 children - Rebecca, Christopher, Jessica and Philip were there the whole night as a surprise and they sped round the course popping up now and again shouting encoragement to all - they really helped.  Catherine and I came through together at the end after 6hrs 50 - oh what a feeling.  Many, many thanks to all.  To my mum and dad in Liverpool who kept ringing me through the night to give support and to all the helpers, police and supporters.  Cant wait for next year!

18. Tracy Archer

Having never taken part in this event before i didnt know what to expect on the day and neither did my friend Louise also a newie.When we approached the big pik tent it looked like something from disneyland.We were astounded at the work and the organisation that goes into this event.What i really want to say is what a fabulous bunch of dedicated people the crew were .They were the best,to stand there  in the freezing cold and give so much encouragement deserve medals themselves.Every single member  of crew we passed either gave us safety warnings or genuine words of encouragement.they were just the best so a BIG ,BIG sincere thank you to each and every one of you for making this a memorable day and night of our lives.Roll on 2010 .xxxx

19. Helen Weetman

I done the half marathon Moonwalk with my friend Sharon on Saturday nite and we had a brilliant time, finishing in 4hrs 2min. In our packs we were told to be quiet within certain areas of London as we walked however, the celebration noise in the streets of London from passing traffic and supporters was amazing and the volunteers were there at every corner cheering us on. Thank you Nina for organinsing such a fun event that will raise money to help so many people.

20. Lesley  Card

I would like to thank all the volunteers as without their encouragement and support the journey would have been much harder.  I would also say that for an event of this size more roads need to be closed to make walking a pleasure. I found the pavements too crowded especially when walkers were bunched up to cross roads. Apart from the areas in the parks that were traffice free I found it very difficult to keep to my own pace.  The pavement also have many obsticals such as bollards, trees and seats especially along the embankments which make it dangerous. There always seemed to be someone in front of me walking slower. I believe too many people had put down a faster time than they would actually achieve.  Also never enough toilets and a later arival time would be better. -  Sorry for the grumbles. I did however finish in 7.45 hrs from the orange start and paired up in the last 8 miles with a lady from Ipswich who I would like to thank to keeping me going.

21. Helen Hayes

This was the first Moonwalk that me, my friend Polly, and her sister, Caroline had taken part in.  WOW - what an experience!!All the training certainly paid off on the night.  It was tough at times, but we kept each other going and even saw some other friends along the way - what was the chances of that happening with 17,000 people taking part! The organisation has been fantastic, from start to finish, and the volunteers did an amazing job of keeping everyones spirits up when all you really wanted to do was sit down! The Moonwalk was a challenge particularly close to my heart as my husband's mum died of breast cancer before I ever got to meet her - she was only 50 years old.  I know people joke about Mother In Laws - but there are many  times when I have wished my Mother In Law was here with us all.So, for that reason,I dedicate my Moonwalk achievement to Hannah Hayes - my Mother In Law.xxx

22. Becky Walton

Hi.  I had a spinal fushion operation last year and its been a long recovery.  I recently went to get checked out and the X-ray shows that 2 of the bolts in my back had dropped and will result in another operation to remove them at the end of this year.  There was a point when i thought i wouldn't be able to take part and was advised this from family and friends.  As i am a determined girl, i did take part and completed 26.2 in 11 and half hours.  I trained for weeks up to it and completed the challenge that i set myself.  I walked with 5 other girls from our work and our team name was "The Tresham Tarts", we all supported each other and made sure we crossed the line together.  I couldn't have done it without them.  It was quite honestly the most difficult, painful thing i have ever done but what a night....Wow it was fantastic.  I can only thank you for such a wonderfully organised event that means so much to me to have been a part.  The best cause ever supported at the same time.  With love, Becky Walton. 16288.

23. Gary Bressington

My first Moonwalk and both my daughter and I had a great night. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you for buying the merchandise we were selling. Looking forward to the Sunwalk.

24. Sarah Cooper-Olsen

I was a walker in a group of 5 friends  called the five birdies from Worthing.On the night 3 of us took off and were speeding through having started in the green session we ended up getting well into the yellow's!! by 3.30am we were motoring and reached 17 miles. We had passed some amazing sights in london and the walkers costumes were unbelievable!! This is when i tripped on uneven piece of pavement...... ouch landing on my left hand and chin i was feeling pain and bleeding from my chin. Cath and Mary mopped me up an got me walking again, i had to slow the pace down but my mates were so supportive. About 20 miles our other 2 friends caught us up cari and Sarah. they continued to walk with me while the others took off at a faster pace. The last 4 miles were the worst and longest ever, my chin and hand were throbbing and i was feeling shaky and weak!! the finish line we made it 26.2 miles in 7 hours. I went to hospital to find out i had broken my hand in 3 places and stitches to chin. I feel it was an incredible night and where i got the strength from to continue i will never know. I kept thinking that all the ladies who go through breast cancer must feel much worse than i felt, this thought kept me walking!! Its been an incredible journey from the first walk back in January to the big night. I can recommend it to anyone wanting a challenge, just try not to fall!!

25. Tracy Watt

I completed my 10th consecutive moonwalk.

26. Lisa Buss

This was my 2nd moonwalk, and it was just as fantastic as last year, i walked with my dad of 62 who was wearing a bra decorated in a Chelsea football club theme, the atmosphere was electric, the effort put into decorating their bras and fancy dress was amazing from everyone, its was great to see alot more men taking part. The streets of London was buzzing, the crew team were encouraging and everyone was in a great mood, me and my dad kept a steady pace, keeping our spirits up by sharing sweets, chocolate and the odd qlucose tablet, the bananas and oranges gave us a great buzz, at mile 21 mile we were quite tired and the odd ache and pain started to show but we battled on, at mile 23 our legs were really tired but knowing the end was near gave us the urge to keep going and to eventually see the pink tents in the distance was a huge relief and once we crossed the finishe line all the aches and pains disappeared, me and dad had our photo taking together with our medals, i was really proud of him to complete to full 26.2 miles and still be smiling, what a fab night for a great charity! Lisa Buss of St.Albans, Herts xx

27. Louise Davies

I had an emotional but fantastic night. I turned up very apprehensive on my own entering the large tent not really knowing what to expect but the walk the walk team were amazing. i was doing this for my mum who died when i was 14 from breast cancer and for those people who sponsored me. As i waited to start i got talking to Anne who had gone through breast cancer and survived ....she too was doing it on her own after her friend also dropped out. we walked together all the way before by boyfriend who was a volunteer met us at the 20mile walk. we got spilt up from Anne but she waited at the end for me. the pain i went throught at mile 23 was nothing to what Anne and the rest of the women out there have been and are going through. i thank everyone for a fab night and to all those volunteers including my boyfriend who gave up their time and encouraged and supported us all the way round. although i turned up on my own i left with over 15,000 friends united for the same cause xx

28. Katherine Nelson

My feet and legs are still a little sore from Saturday night/Sunday morning but no pain will outshine the great sense of satisfaction I have from doing such a great thing for a great cause. Well done to fellow Full 'mooners', and half 'mooners' too. We should all be very proud. I hope the event goes from strength to strength. I would like to commend all volunteers and organisers, especially Nina - I find you truly inspiring. You probably won't see me again next year but I will definitely take part in another event in the future (the New York marathon is very appealing!) I'll sign off now, I'm going to put my feet up! x

29. Alyson  Beasant

What a night!  We travelled over from Belfast the day before, went to see Calender Girls at the theatre, which seemed an appropriate start to our big night.  The whole experience was amazing.  To be part of something so significant in the lives of women was a priviliege and we want to come again next year - but bring many more girls with us.  Thanks for all the incredible organisation.  First Class.

30. Lucy Stern

I have to congratulate the marshals who need a medal as much as the walkers - I have run so many races and all during the day where the marshals weren't a patch on the walk the walk marshals. Even in the depths of night on the quietest stretches their enthusiasm and encouragement were astounding. Please pass on my thanks to all of them - they have inspired me to marshal an event in June to the same high standards. An emotional experience that I am thrilled to have been a part of. Lucy

31. Jacqueline  Barker

Wow - what a night.  My 8th Moonwalk and my worst one ever as it took me over 9 hours to complete it due to not feeling a 100 percent this year!   But I could not have done it without the crew and volunteers again.  They are fantasic.  You all do a BRILLIANT job every year.  I am now taking a week off to start training again for Scotland.   Jackie xxx

32. Roger Mayne

"The Boys" finished the Moonwalk in 8 hours 45 minutes. We were a little disappointed that we didn't complete it quicker, but we feel so privileged to have taken part. There were supposed to be 4 if us in the team. Angela, Roy, Roger and Oli. Our team name was "Angela's Angels". Angela got diagnosed with breast cancer just over 5 years ago, and walked her first Moonwalk shortly after. She was so desperate to be in this years London Moonwalk. We all entered and got accepted. We all started our regular training. First, Oli got ill with a terrible cough which lasted about 7 weeks. Determined, he trained as much as he could without making himself too ill.Then, Angela caught the cough too. Being 4 and a half months pregnant, she wasn't able to take any medicine for it, so also missed out on a lot fo the early training. Also as determined as Oli, she persevered and managed a 16 mile training walk, and the final 20 mile walk. This last one left her in a little discomfort, and alas, the doctors advised her not to continue with the walk. "The Boys" continued and promised to complete the walk in honour of Angela.The atmosphere, as others have said, was amazing. Being 3 lads on our own, we were a little anxious about showing our bras. We left it as late as we could, but during the warm up, we stripped off!! Immediately, we got asked to pose for some photos and got on with our warm up.Clapping and cheering for all the walkers as each group went out to the start boosted everyones energy. First the yellow... then the green,,, then us. As we walked around the streets, amongst the sea of pink hats and bras, each and every one of the marshalls and volunteers were absolutely amazing. Encouraging words, cheers and clapping all helped as we notched up the miles.Oli started to falter after about 20 miles (a massive effort on his part with the amount of training he did, and the fact that he's only 13 (probably the youngest male walking!)).After some ecnouraging words (and a little barking) from myself and Roy, we got him motivated again.I am soooo proud of the team we had. Roy, Oli and Angela. You are all amazing people. Among the blisters and the aches, I had a great night and I am glad you guys were there to share it. Congratulations to everyone who completed the walk.

33. Sharon Meyrick

I wanted to pass on my sincere thanks to Ellie (orange tabbard) who was situated by some steps after crossing the Albert Bridge.  I was seconds away from fainting and she came to my rescue with her calm voice and reassuring words and sound medical advice.  She gave me permission to take some time to feel better before waving me off to complete the course with my friends.  I will always remember her kindness and be grateful that she was there.  I do hope you know who I'm talking about and can pass on my thanks.  It was a great event and I can proudly show my medal - well done to all involved in making the night one to remember. Sharon - 6583.

34. Vivienne Leonard

7 months ago Nicky and I were lucky enough to get places on the London Moonwalk 2009.
6 months ago I had to have a hysterectomy.
1 month ago I tore the hamstring in my right leg.
10 days ago I tore my left calf muscle and was on crutches!
Obviously my middle name isn't Lucky!
After training hard for the 3 months after being pronounced fit to do so after my surgery I couldn't believe I might have to pull out of the Moonwalk due to injury.

Despite a week of sleepless nights and several trips to the physio I knew if I could make it to the start line of the Moonwalk I would finish - even if it was on my hands and knees.

Nicky my walking partner was brilliant promising that we would cross the finish line together however long it took.

I did get to the start line for the Pink start at midnight and 7 hours and 50 minutes later we crossed the finish line - upright!

People kept telling me the occasion and the adrenalin would get me through and they were so right.

It was an incredible night and being part of this never ending stream of women walking through London was amazing.

The support and encouragment from anyone we passed was fantastic and of course the whole way round, the wonderful Moonwalk Marshalls were there to encourage us on (at 4am the words 'looking good ladies' was much appreciated!).

At 5am and starting to feel a bit sore and tired I switched on my mobile to receive a flood of texts and messages of support from friends and family - an instant boost.

I feel very proud to have completed the Moonwalk and to have raised money for Walk the Walk.

I would urge anyone interested to give it a go.

On a personal level and having previously been a bit of a 'couch potato' I now have a new and strangely addictive hobby. There are not many hobbies that get you fit and if you are walking with 'the girls' it's like group therapy all at the same time!

Many thanks to all the Moonwalk Team,

Viv

35. Nicola  Coltman

it was a wonderful night, my 1st moonwalk at 39 years of age , the same age as my mother was when she died of breast cancer, and it was the least i could do ,, our team hope 2 have rasied over £ 2000, AND WE PLAN2 WALK SOME MORE WITH U GUYS  , like paul ogrady said ,it was and is a wonderful reason 2 get our walking shoes on . i trained well but nothing prepares you for a night walk, well the fireman in the sation were great , i thought all my christmases had come at once,, ive lots 2 tell u about the night and not much space left,,, thank u nina for a great nite and wonderful expericance. xxx love 2 all your workers and crew on the night who kept us going when we needed it ,, oh and the fireman for our toliet break . xxxx nicky...

36. Diane Slater

This was my first moon walk, and boy was it a great night. Never believe any one who says its easy -  this is after all " a Marathon" I found the last two miles really tough, and finished in just over 7and half hours. Just over the time that Katie Price and Peter Andre " ran" the London Marathon ! The support of the volenteers was superb, and so was the organisation my only comment would be that it would be better to have more screens around the main marquee and a better PA system - being at the back we heard and saw nothing  while waiting to go - the ones at the front seem to be having a great party, but we didn't get any atmosphere at the back. Will I do it again - yesterday it was a definate No Way, but today ( MOnday) - it doesn't seem so bad , and who knows in October, I might just be filling in that form  ! I would suggest getting some great walking Buddies - The girls I did my training with, Sue, Linda & Cath really were great, and although Cath and Linda walked at a faster pace, Sue and stuck together, and gave each other real encouragement on the night. It seem to be that one of us would feel more up beat and provide words of encouragement to the other - even a few miles of silence, when you really dont want to talk , is better with a buddy by your side. I would like to thank my buddies Sue, Linda and Cath - because I couldn't have done it without you  !!

37. Mary Hoffman

The night was amazing! My team enjoyed every mile and appreciated all of the support from the crew. From the very start we felt that we were special not just a few in the 15,000. At the start of our walk, Nina read a sign my 8 year old daughter made. Throughout the walk, each volunteer cheered us personally. At the end of the walk when receiving my medal , the volunteer even gave me a hug. Unfortunately I ended up in the hospital a couple of hours after the event. The day after, Nina herself called me to see how I was feeling. All of this personal attention was well beyond the call of duty of Walk the Walk organistion but made our challenge a night to cherish and always remember. Thank you so much!

38. Zoe Read

I just wanted to write a quick note to say a massive thank you to Walk the Walk for organising such a tremendous event. My husband and I walked our first Moonwalk since being diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago. It was our way of saying thank you for the successful treatment I received and so far we'v raised about £400 in sponsorship. Apart from childbirth it was possibly the hardest but most rewarding experience I've had.The atmosphere was electric, the volunteers at every corner were fantastic with their encouraging words that kept us going! We particularly enjoyed the start that Paul Ogrady and Blake gave to all the walkers and the massive sense of achievement at the end when we got our medals. Thanks to everyone involved and roll on next year!

39. Toni Savastano

Well what a night!  I loved it, loved it, loved it!
My name is Toni and I have had a bit of a rough few years.  First I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of just 35, then followed mystectomy, chemo..the whole works...great!  Then came redundancy after 10 years of working for same company...lovely!  Then came divorce after 15 years of marriage...just gets better doesnt it?!  Anyway, after all that and building my life back up again (I did hit rock bottom so its been a massive climb) I decided I was going to inflict more punishment and train for the 2009 London Moonwalk!  I knew I wanted to do it this year as soon as I heard the money was going to go towards the cancer cold caps.  I wore the cap during my chemotherpy and it worked!  The thought of losing my hair was horrific to me after everything I had gone through, and was frankly fed up with people saying that it didn't really matter...because to me it did.  So what better reason to enter.  I trained hard and on the night it paid off. My sisters and I did the full moonwalk.  The moment you enter the Playtex City you know you are part of something very special  The warmth and the friendliness from every single person there is amazing in itself.  From finding a spot in the tent among the sea of bodies to listening to the entertainment, to meeting up with old friends what more could you want on a saturday night, and the chance to flaunt around in your bra, well I havent done that since I was 18!
We couldnt wait to get going, and when we were called to the start, my heart was going ten to the dozen, so excited and nervous, didn't know what to expect.  But as soon as we walked through the start I knew this was going to be an amazing night!  The marshals all the way round were fantastic, cheering us on as we went by.  At around 20 miles I got very emotional, I just thought I was never going to do it, but my sisters kept me going (as they always do) and on we went for another 6 miles.  Thats the thing with being part of something as big and amazing as this, you bond and connect as you have never done before.
We made it in 7.5 hours and I have never ever felt such a sense of achievement in my life.  I felt alive! We had all our family there on the finish line and to hear them shout out words of love and encouragement made every blister, every ache and pain so worthwhile a million times over...oh in into the bargain my sisters and I raised over £2000...I can honestly say it was one of the best nights of my life...Think I'm exagerating?...just do it...and see for yourself

40. Pamela Donovan

Great evening walking with friends, tired but feel a sense ofachievement. Volunteers also need medals! they are fantastic.

41. Suzanne Weedon

I would like to say that initially I had reservations about being able to stay awake all night but the entire evening/morning was such a fantastic buzz that sleep never even occurred to me.  The walkers all looked fantastic and it was very humbling and heartwarming when they thanked us for staying up all night to cheer them on! I would like to say that it was an absolute pleasure to help and myself and some family and friends are going to do the walk next year and am sure we will be able to say thank you to the volunteers who are there cheering us on.

42. Kate Stovell

Team PORCELAIN DOLLS walked in memory of Wendy Keene. A woman who died far too young, leaving 2 young daughters behind!

What a fantastic experience we all have had. We stuck to the training plan every week, it was hard at first juggling work, family and the increasing walk times, but we met up early every Saturday morning to do the long walks. We actually started to look forward to it, plenty of time to chat and spend quality time together as a group of friends that don't see each other very often! 

Then came the night!  Having to get up there so early before setting off was a bit daunting. We all thought we'd be turning up at 11pm and setting off an hour later!  However, when we joined the huge snaking queue to get into Playtex City, we all got into the spirit of the event. We were marvelling at all the fantastic costumes and decorated bras, and at the amount of men dressed in bras!

Once in the tent we set up camp for the long wait. The entertainment was superb and the atmosphere was quite electric.

When we finally got to the start i think we were all a bit nervous.."could we all make it?"  From the minute we set off the support from the volunteers was fantastic, every single one of them clapped, cheered, and shouted encouragement. They deserve a medal just for standing all night in the cold and still having a smile on their faces for you 9 hours later!!  They were a huge part of keeping our spirits up, when at points you started to question your sanity for doing it in the first place!! The middle section was especially hard, when you know you've walked quite a way, but it's no where near the end and that Finish Line seems a million miles away.  The reception at the Finish Line was also amazing, every single walker was cheered through, by name, to collect the prized medal.

Would thoroughly recommend this to anyone, the organisation is huge and the volunteers fantastic. The emotion you feel whilst doing it is immense. I saw husbands walking with pictures of their sadly departed wifes, young families missing their mothers/aunties. It bought a tear to my eyes seeing all these people motivated to help a cause.

We all had a cry near the end, from relief, memories and seeing our families waiting at the end to cheer us home.

We were all in pain for the rest of the day, but the sense of achievement far outweighed the exhaustion and aches!

43. Sharon Jackson

This was my first moon walk and managed to complete all 26 miles.  My feet were sore and my legs aching but witha smile on my face and even managed laughter.  It was an uplifting experience with a huge sense of self achievement.  Every pain I have couldn't have been for a better reason.  I really just wanted to say how encouraging and helpful all of the CREW were on the night. THANK YOU

44. Janene Hegarty

Wow - I completed my first ever Moonwalk and what an experience it was!! In Aug 08 I lost my wonderful mum to breast cancer, which was what bought me to registering for the moonwalk. Along with my sis and friends Laura and Claire we set walking the streets of London. It was by far one of the hardest physical things I have ever done but what an amazing feeling it was when we crossed the finish line! A fabulous night and one I will remember forever.Thanks Moonwalk for letting me be a part of it and thanks to all the volunteers xx

45. Kathryn Clark

Walker nr 8205
I had a fab night although I fell twice in the space of 10 minutes during the 8th mile (along the Thames walk) injuring both my hand/finger and face - loads of bruises to show for it. However, I still managed to complete the 26 miles in 6hours 35mins coming across the line at 5.44am according to my watch and that of a fellow walker. Looking at my photos I have noticed the clock at the finish line actually read 6.44. I hope this was a mistake as I now have no proof of my actual times. I'm sure I'm not the only person to have noticed this error and there is nothing that can be done about it now but maybe in the future it should be checked.Please send my thanks to all the organisers and volunteers who did an excellent job on the night - really encouraging to hear their claps and praise along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and look forward to 2010,Kathryn Clark

46. Jackie Daniel

My mum and I started training a year ago having only really done 5-6 miles.  Mum is 62 years and we completed this marathon in 7 hours.  I nearly bumped into a lamppost if it wasnt for Paul O Grady and his walking partner warning me it was so funny!  Cant believe i stood next to him!!!  Mile 24 hit us like a brick and I helped my mum all the way to the to meet my dad and brother!  The cabbie on the way back donated our fayre to the charity! Thank you so much playtex !! See you in Newyork!!

47. Cecile Janet

Oh my god!! What a night!!
I entered the event by myself and didn't really know what to expect
I had so much fun that i wish I could do it again
I enjoyed every single second of it and it felt like a big massive family!!
Despite the number of walkers, i found the event very well organised so well done to WTW and all the marshalls for a fantastic night.
Lots of love and see you next year..........

49. Kirsten Hyland

Jean Deith and I travelled to London from Seaford by train and underground.  When we left the train at Victoria a gentleman asked if we were sponsored for the walk. On our reply he very generously gave us £10 and walked away without giving us his name.  Just shows how very generous people are towards this very worthy cause.  We both very much enjoyed the event and completed the challenge within our predicted time!

Kirsten Hyland and Jean Deith

50. Elizabeth Hassard

I had an amazing night walking with a wonderful team  "Pippa's Pals" -mums at my children's school. I started and finished arm in arm with Sarah,Liz and Fi - thank you for getting me through the night! Finally the organisation was superb. Please thank all the volunteers for all their encouragement thoughout the walk - it meant everything. Elizabeth xx

51. Nici Hewitt

Taking part in the Moonwalk has been something I've talked about for years, but never got round to doing.  But I finally got my act together and registered online for the 2009 walk.  Having not taken part before, I wasn't quite on the ball whilst filling out the form, and hadn't realised I'd ticked to do it in 8+ hours.  Being a regular walker, I slightly under estimated my ability!

Arriving on the night I had no expectations, but have to say it was one of the best evenings........the entertainment, the company, the feeling of unity between thousands of men and women was quite overwhelming.  When my friends left in groups yellow and green, I then took advantage of  getting some last minute stretching in. 

At 12:05 when the pink group set off, I managed to get right at the front, and got well ahead of the rest of the group after about half a mile.  I had my ipod on and there were quite a few spectators cheering me on, I was totally elated.  I had an urge to win, therefore decided I wouldn't stop until I got to the front!!  I can't describe the total rush of adrenaline and excitement to get to the finish line. 

By mile 3 I caught up with the orange walkers.  By mile 6 I caught up with the greens, and at mile 12 started seeing some yellow walkers.  I've never walked so fast in my life, and have never been so determined.

When I reached Hyde Park at 24 miles, I saw that some yellows had finished, but this just drove me on to go faster, I crossed the line exactly 5 hours and 40 minutes after I had set off, and was the first pink to finish.  I was adamant in my mind that nobody would pass me during the walk, and they didn't!!

I am still on a high from the walk, and am thrilled with myself, but also to all the other walkers.

I imagine the event would not be possible without the help of all the volunteers, they provided so much support and encouragement, I would like to say a huge thank you.  The time and energy put in to helping the walkers along the way is just fantastic.

I can't wait to do it again.

52. Jennifer Butcher

I didn't know what to expect when I went to do the Moonwalk.  My walking partner had dropped out and I'd been sick a lot during training so had gone a few weeks with no walking.  I didn't need to worry - when I got there the people were brilliant and the atmosphere was awesome!  I nearly gave up doing my walk and if it weren't for my adopted walking partner on the night I don't know if I would have made it.  Nina's words helped me and they inspired me - we do the walk for those who can't - even now thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.  Someone asked me on the night if I would do it again and my response was a resounding "no".  But in honesty I will do it again and I will do it knowing that there are people who can't do it, and those are the people I am there for.  Thank you Nina for inspiring me and making me realise some things and thank you to the volunteers who kept saying good morning to me as I walked - my apologies if my smile wasn't always bright!

53. Jan Young

Having walked the moonwalk twice I thought I would try my hand as a volunteer.  We arrived at 5.30pm ready for our shift and were met by our Team leaders led by Vicky, head of the directional team.  The atmosphere was amazing and I felt a little sad I wasn't walking, having said that however we were soon caught up in the general buzz of the evening and the time flew by.  All the walkers were in great spirits and we all had a great evening.  I hope to volunteer again next year.  Well done all the Team Leaders they were really supportive and encouraging.
Jan x

54. Ros Lofting

What a fantastic experience.  Having volunteered in 2007 and completed the Half Moon in 2008, I was really excited, nervous and yet determined about tackling the Full Moon.  The evening started really well with the brilliant entertainment and atmosphere in the Pink Tent.  The organization was excellent and everything went so smoothly it’s hard to believe that 15000 walkers were all set off on time without mishap.
I, like probably most of the other walkers, had my thoughts of what the hell am I doing here at about the 22 mile mark, but I knew I only had to get to the finish line.  Unlike the women we were walking for we had to face a few aches and pains and they would go away quickly, we didn’t have to get up day after day and face the unbearable.  That thought gave me renewed energy and the last couple of miles just whizzed by and I crossed the line with a smile on my face.There was only one down for me in the whole evening and that was when I was passed by a couple wearing what could only be described as ‘living adverts’ for presumably the company they work for.  They had logo hats, company name several places and were covered in labels describing the company’s services.  Now I appreciate that the company may have sponsored them well, but that surely is not the ethos of this walk – we were there to raise awareness and money for breast cancer.  The company should have sponsored them without the payoff.  If this idea took hold it would make a mockery of the whole night – please organisers put something in your literature to ban this type of advertising.
Grump over.  Thanks to all the other lovely ladies who took part and a huge, huge thanks to all the wonderful volunteers.  To see those smiling faces en route shouting encouragement in the wee small hours, even though they were obviously freezing, was a real boost.  Also to the more behind the scenes workers, without you it would be impossible for us to sit here clutching our medals and feeling pretty good about ourselves.  You all deserve medals too.
See you next year, if I’m lucky enough to have another go.
Ros Lofting 

55. Vicki Holmes

I walked my 2nd Moonwal this year, unfortunately I fell over at the 6 mile point ( the walkers had bunched up going round a corner; I was unable to see my feet and tripped up a curb).  My nose and mouth were bleeding and my fingers were swelling up but I was determined to finish so my Mum, my Husband and I carried on.  The pain was bad but I couldn't stand the thought of not finishing or of letting anyone down.  We stopped to go to the toilet at the 17 mile mark and my husband spoke to the paramedics stationed there.  They took a look at my injuries and said that my nose was broken and that my fingers were dislocated - "I'll just have to get them seen to at the end then wont I?" I said; the paramedic looked at me in disbelief but we started walking again.  We finished in 8 hours excluding the stops and I went into the medical tent for treatment.  They pulled my fingers back into place (I wouldn't reccomend it even with gas and air - the pain was unbelieveable), cut my eternity and wedding rings off (this made me cry like a baby) and told me to go to my local casualty once I got home to check for any further damage.  We drove back to Northampton and headed to the hospital - they confirmed two fingers with multiple breaks and a broken nose plus plenty of assorted swelling, brusing and cuts.  I have woken up today and logged on to get my winners t-shirt and thought I would drop you a line.  The entire centre of my face is black and blue - my nose is cut and swollen, my lips are enormous - bruised and skinless and my chins is black.  My fingers and left hand look like they are made out of playdough........but I still wouldn't have missed it for the world.  I will log on once a week (just like I did last year) until I now when the online places for next year's walk will be released, then I will take the day off work, get up early and log on hitting the refresh button continually until the race to fill in my details starts. Thank you for another unique experience.

56. Pippa Bannister

I was diangosed with breast cancer in January 2008. I'm near to completing Herceptin and an 18 month rollercoaster ride where I've had no option to get off!. Since my diagnosis I have been blown away by the support from family and friends and particularly the school mums who I see on a daily basis. I mentioned I was going to enter the MoonWalk and wondered if a couple of friends might want to join me. Somehow I managed to recruit a team of 26 including my lovely husband and his best mate. Some of the people involved had never undertaken regular exercise in their lives and their enthusiasm during our training walks was sheer testament to the amount of support I have received from them throughout. As a team we have now raised over £15,000 for Walk the Walk and the donations continue to come in. Today (the morning after) my inbox has been flooded with messages thanking me for inspiring everyone to take on this challenge. I don't feel special or inspiring, I'm just me! but I'm so glad everyone enjoyed themselves and I will be entering next years challenge as well. Now I have walked a Marathon I intend to enter the Virgin London Marathon 2010 and raise further funds for breast cancer but for some reason my idea to run it as a team has not been met with the same enthusiasm!!!!

57. Mark  Howard

I would like to say a BIG thank you to the fantastic couple I met in the hotel foyer of the Cumberland Hotel on Saturday evening.  We were having photographs taken in our bras and they just came up to us, asked to have their photograph taken with us, got caught up in the excitement and gave me a £60 donation!!  Unfortunately, I did not get their name, but I just wanted to say how much their generosity was appreciated and to let them know that their donation has gone to such a good cause.

58. Sophie Peters

WOW!!! That's all I can say! Our team started off on such a high and we maintained all of our determination throughout the walk due to the amazing, AmAzInG AMAZING volunteers cheering us on!!! Admittedly the last  6 miles were soooo sooo tough but I fought through the pain and tears and now...I am sooooo soooo proud that I did. I am wearing my medal with such pride as I still cant believe I completed it. The feeling is the best, I cant explain it! Thank you to all of the volunteers and everyone who helped! I can now go round collecting my sponsorship money with pride!

Thanks!!!

Sophie

59. Gail Wheeler

Sadly due to an achillies tendon injury I was unable to finish the full moon challenge, but had to write and praise all the volunteers that helped me.  I was disappointed not to complete my challenge but a big thank you to my sponsors who are still paying up!  My husband did continue and complete his first moonwalk.

60. Lisa Brooks

the training was going well and we was looking forward to the big night,then on the tue 12th may my walking partners(maddy)dad passed away,which was a big shock for us as maddys dad was a fit man and a fan of his walking holidays.he was on a walking holiday with his wife when he died of a heart attack.maddy and i dident think we could go ahead with the walk but we did ,on the night of the walk we thought we have got to do it for maddys dad ,to cross the finishing line and receive that medal for him.we had such a great night with all the moonwalkers and supporters a night to remember with emotional feelings.i would like to thank maddy parish for taking part it must have been hard for her after loosing her dad just a few days before the event.

61. Madelaine Rose

When I saw the finish line yesterday morning it really was worth it.  This from someone who is known to ‘give up ‘ at the drop of a hat!  It was a struggle and each mile marker from 8 onwards I remember vividly.  I walked with two friends but did most of it on my own as they know me well enough to know when to leave me alone!
When I say ‘on my own’ obviously my fellow walkers surrounded me.  Many of them were finding it as tough as me but their humour and support carried me through,.   The two ladies I sat with briefly. We exchanged heartfelt smiles of encouragement before getting up and getting on with it.  The man walking with his group who I heard remark that he was going to get drunk that night to dull the pain.  The lady I stood behind in the queue at the last lot of toilets who was with her daughter.  The two ladies I overheard, one positively telling her friend, ’10 miles gone, only 16 to go’.  The lady, clearly struggling, space blanket wrapped tightly around her, negotiating the final steps towards the finish line. She was knackered, but had determination written all over her face. 
My friends waited outside Hyde Park for me, it was quite a wait, and we walked the last part together.  The heavens opened so we crossed the finish line, drowned but jubilant.
I have to say that I have never experienced anything like the Moonwalk and to anyone like me who would never dream they could do it, you can!  I still can’t believe it.   I will be eternally grateful to the lady I overheard saying to her friend, ‘Remember why you’re going it’ as that simple phrase concentrated my mind as I thought of all the people who were supporting me with their sponsorship and good wishes. 
The Moonwalk achieves many things; to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer, to promote fitness and well being and to allow people like me to prove ‘they can’.
A final word of thanks to all the volunteers who were there at every turn clapping us, urging us on and letting us know how far it was till the next lot of toilets.  What a wonderful bunch you all are.

62. Shelley Bartlett

had fantastic nite and will volunteer next year. just 1 prob arriving at hyde park at 10 30 pm on my own was horrible i was directed through very dark park random men lurking behind trees and what appeared to be prostitutes too i turned back and luckily met another woman who was scared 2 could you make the meeting place for 11pm volunteers outside the gate and then all go through park together? no need to put this on website just wanted to raise a point. it was otherwise a really great well organised nite thank you

63. Helen Rankin

I did the walk with my son, my fourth and his first. We started off well and were keeping to our training schedule. Unfortunately at about 11 miles Iain started having a problem with the front of his shin - but decided to carry on. We slowed down and reached 15 miles where we spoke to a medic realised it was shin splints and Iain had to make a decision....He was determined to finish and we carried on stretching every mile or so. We got to 24.5 miles where we had to stop for 30 minutes until he was seen by another medic. He still wouldn't give in and we finally finished in around 8 and half hours. I know this sort of story will be reflected throughout the walk BUT I want to say how impressed I am with my son and to say he wants to walk next year! Is it to beat the times I did with his sisters and Dad?
Thanks to all the volunteers without whose encouragement we would not have felt able to carry on - they were great.

64. Penny Brooks

This was my first Moonwalk and hopefully will not be my last. A HUGE thank you for the opportunity - the organisation was fantastic and all those I was walking with couldn't thank all the marshalls and teams enough - they had a harder job than us, standing there and encouraging us all night long! As for so many people, I was doing it in support of a colleague and friend  who has had breast cancer and recovered, as well as in memory of another friend who was not so fortunate, and hoping that the money raised will help to protect my family and me from being victims in the future. Thank you so much.

65. Gynette Janney

Once again a great night out on Saturday.  This was my 9th London Moonwalk and each year it gets better and better. I came 4th in the full marathon and this is the first time we have not had people running at the front.  It was great just true powerwalkers all helping each other out. The volunters what can I say FANTASIC all of them they all need a medal. Once again thank you.  Now wishing I entered the Edinburgh Moonwalk again now, oh well cant wait to see you all again next year I hope.

66. Andrea Hefford

I finished my first Full Moon Marathod early this morning and will never forget the feeling.  I cried when I saw Hyde Park on the return route and cried again as I finished with my two best friends.

I am honoured to have been able to complete this.

My mum is a cancer survivor, she had a mastectomy when seh was 42, I'm now 40 very concious of my own risks.

I wanted to show her how very much I love her and also to make my two young sons proud of their mummy.

The support and encouragement throughtout the walk was brilliant and I can't wait to apply again for next year.

Well done on such a brilliant event, here's to raising more millions every year.

Andrea xxx

67. Barry Ingram

Having tried 3 times in a row to get into the Moonwalk I was lucky enough to succeed on the 4th go.  I joined some girls from the Isle of Wight (one of who works for me - by the way I'm a fella !) and we ate, drank and danced until it was time to go.  The atmosphere was great and we lined up waiting for the off at 11:30 listening to the cheers and encouragements.  The first 10 miles flew by (even with the inevitable stops while crossing busy London roads).  With the help of the volunteer Crew's along the way the next 9 miles also went by well.  Then at 20 miles, THE WALL !  Feet were just starting to get sore and it was uphill past Chelsea.  From there on the dawn chorus helped but the feet shouted louder !  Finally the end was in sight, was a giant pink tent ever so welcoming ?!   Tired ? - Yes,  Sore feet with blisters the size of £2 coins ? - Yes.  Was it worth it ? - Yes.  Will I ever do it again ?  YES (just try and stop me !!).  Finally, a great big THANKS to all who sponsored me, supported me, and went the extra mile to make the event so fantastic !!

68. Sara Lloyd

I am recovering from my first moon walk which I completed in 8 hours and 35 minutes with my daughter Rachel. During the warm ups the names of the youngest competitors were announced. I would just like to point out that Rachel is younger than those mentioned. She is 13 years and 3 months old. I am so very proud of her and that we managed to finish the walk in such a good time. I feared we might not have got  to the start line when the bbc big band played My Way. This reduced Rachel to tears as it was the song her Nan chose for her funeral last year after losing her fight against breast cancer. However she pulled herself together and we set off. We had tears a few times around the course through pain and tiredness but being the determined young lady she is we managed to finish! I would like to say at this point that the volunteers around the course were fabulous and certainly helped us on our way! What a special bunch of men and women! Please pass on our love and thanks for all of their support. What a great night and a fantastic experience! Thank you!!!

69. Elizabeth  Leonard

The amazing atmosphere I will never forget, and how bizarre and surreal it all is!!  Walking though the quiet streets of London at night in a wildly decorated bra with thousands of others all united for the same cause.  It was an extremely emotional journey, one I thought at times I would nt be able to ocmplete but I DID!!  Nina's talk in the tent will stay with me forever, as will the memory of the support from the crew, each and every one of them as we staggered on our way!  Thank you!

 

70. Sarah Hutchings

A fantastic first time experience for both me and my daughter Emma (Walker No. 6880).  We still can't believe our achievements and my feelings for Emma are so overwhelming for a girl of 13 years!  We would be interested to know if she was the or one of the quickest finishers, completing the course in 7hrs 25mins.

Thank you for the opportunity to rise to a challenge, be part of a fantastic charity and raise funds and awareness for such a dreadful disease, which took both my parents.  Emma new her grandmother who would have been so immensely proud of her fantastic
achievement.

71. Curtisia Leopold-George

This was the first time that my friend Fintan and I did the half Moon, we missed our friends' engagement party, leaving Islington in full walking outfit, having given the pub a laugh and a flash of feathers. And eventhough we did no training and ignored some of the pre walk advice, we finished in 4 hours and 20 mins. we are really proud of ourselves even though our hips, knees and feet are not so happy. We have hopefully raised a good sum of cash for all those people like my aunt who have had breast cancer and we think that all the walkers are just great. We're going to do it again and this time we're going to read the booklet before the day of the walk!

72. Curtisia Leopold-George

This was the first time that my friend Fintan and I did the half Moon, we missed our friends' engagement party, leaving Islington in full walking outfit, having given the pub a laugh and a flash of feathers. And eventhough we did no training and ignored some of the pre walk advice, we finished in 4 hours and 20 mins. we are really proud of ourselves even though our hips, knees and feet are not so happy. We have hopefully raised a good sum of cash for all those people like my aunt who have had breast cancer and we think that all the walkers are just great. We're going to do it again and this time we're going to read the booklet before the day of the walk!

73. Joanna Evans

Last night I took part in the moonwalk for the fourth time but for me this time was very special, my daughter Polly (13) was joining me on the walk.  The past 3 occasions I took part  in the full moon with 3 friends but this year we were accompanied by our daughters which was a wonderful experience , especially as it was the girls who first suggested that they would really like to do it with us.  Our girls are all aged 13 and 14 and rose to the challenge with such enthusiasm it really inspired us Mums.  This year was especially poignant for me and my daughter Polly as I lost my mother to cancer just before christmas and my father inlaw a few weeks before that.   Thank you for a really memorable and inspiring night we will never forget it.

74. Lynn Powell

This was the most physically challenging thing I have ever done - and boy - do my legs and feet ache now.  Glad I did it - it was absolutely amazing.  Thanks for all the volunteers - their encouragement and support was invaluable - especially at the end.  The toilets were the only down side - especially those by the Tate modern - yuk!!  Anyway - now to start collecting the hard earned sponsership money which should be about £300.

75. Richard  Dillon

at just after 8am with the much appriciated help from sally orr and her team,i was the happiest guy in london, my girlfriend said yes when i supprised her at the full walk finish, i wouldnt have been able to do it without their help,i/we will never forget it. and well done to all who competed it was an amazing night/morning

76. Denise Setters

I was very moved by all the walkers and their bras that had been decorated brilliantly, i hope to walk with you next year and to feel the ambiance also.
WELL DONE to all the Mooners (Half or Full), you have my upmost congratulations
A superb experience
Thank you

77. Eileen Singfield

Another great Moonwalk with my friends. Felt compelled to write to say a big 'Thank you' to all the volunteers. They made me smile on the way round and kept me going. A big highlight for me was using a 'She Wee' for the 1st time!!!! What a giggle!!!! and a great idea. Thanks for the wonderful work you do.

78. Nikki Royle

it was my first moonwalk on 17/05/09. I did the half moon. i am only 13 years old but i have always wanted to do it. i am going to do it again next year, and then when i get use to it i hope to do the full moon! the best bit about the night was the star treck dance! it was really funny, also i liked paul ogrady's bra. it was amazing. i had fun that night and i am defo coming back to do it again!

79. Kerry Burton

When i applied for the Moonwalk all the Moonwalk all the way back Oct I was a fit and healthy 37yr old married mum of 2.  Two sgort weeks later, I had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  I had a grade 3 tumour removed, a masectomy and a reconstruction.  In feb i started a 6 month course of chemo.  Many people - including my oncologist told me to sit downm and take it easy.  Thats not me, I had entered the Moonwalk and I was going to complete it.  So, last night, I did.  Not conventionally though.  With the help of two wonderful friends, I completed the Moonwalk in a wheelchair.  I walked some and sat some, which a s a veteran of 6 half marathons, i found the sitting very hard.  We had some amazing support all the way round the course form alot of people and I was so grateful for the best wishes my pushers were getting as they did a sterling job.  Unfortunaty we did also get some negative comments too, not many, but enough to make an impact on out night.  OK, so i couldnt walk it all, but i was there doing my bit to raise £600 for the people who have helped me, the people who have treated me and given me a good chance of survival.  If that upsets people as they had to walk then im sorry, but we were all there for the same reason, to help find a cure for this crap disease.  Believe me, i would have much rather been walkiing with you all than sitting in a damn chair, 4 days after the latest dose of chemo.
Well, rant over, having said that, we hada wonderful time. All of the volunteers were brilliant, there support second to none - i think i may join them next year.
Lots of love
Kerry

80. Chantelle Beckett

I have just completed the full moonwalk in london last night and wanted to say a huge congratulations the night was absoltuely fabulous (althought at 4am I might have been feeling differently) It was supurbly organised much better then then the mass chaos I was expecting. Just wanted to say a huge thankyou to everyone envolved and a massive thankyou to all the helpers the way around the course they done an amazing job at getting us around and without them I am not sure I would have finished! So thankyou volunteers and the lady doing star jumps at mile 25 was just what i needed to smile at that point.

81. Franny Apsey

I just want to say a big thankyou to all the helpers and volenteers!! so THANKYOU. i did the half moon, because i am 13!! one mile for ever age. haha. When i am 26 i will do the full moon. Thankyou for the tatoos, massages, music,and food. My mum thinks paul o'gradys FAB!! Thank you. Franny xXx x x x x x

82. Kerry Smith

I just wanted to say a big thank you to all of the volunteers for all of their encouragement on the night. Having you all cheering us on really kept us going! Well done to everyone that took part - a fabulous experience and for an amazing cause x

83. Ros  Russell

a had a fantastic evening. the event was very well organised!!!!

at the end of my half moon, i lost my mobile phone. is there someone i can contact who deals with lost & found.

many thanks for your help. I cant wait to take part next yr.

Regards,
Ros

84. Sarah  Nicholson

I was a volunteer with my sister for the 2nd year, we have walked it 3 times previously and thought we would have a couple of years helping rather than walking.

I would like to say a huge thank you to the organisers for putting us at the finishing line, I have to say it was all very emotional, especially when a friend came across the line.  I know how hard the night is and there is nothing like the feeling as you step over that finishing line, even when it is tipping down with rain.  Giving out the medals was a great feeling and even the very last lady who came through, the feeling of comarady was fantastic, we all sung and cheered her through, supporting right to the very end, brilliant!!!!

Thanks for a fab night and am looking foward to 2010!!!!

85. Louise Sanford

The night was amazing!!! It was well organised and a fantastic atmosphere. It was the second year that we walked the moonwalk and now we cant wait to apply for next year!! The only thing we were disapointed with was the amount of time we were held back at traffic lights. You just start to get back into a flow and you get stopped again. would there not be an possibility of closing off certain roads, maybe altering the route to accomadate this? As there are so many walkers it makes life quite difficult at times. But apart from this an amazing evening!!

86. Dawn Proudfoot

What an absolutely amazing night! I walked with two really good friends, Clair & Caroline, and we completed the walk in 6hrs 45 mins. I was blown away by the whole spectacle of the event, the colour, the atmosphere & the superb organisation. The volunteers were absolutely fantastic. They were there with words of encouragement and support when we needed it the most. The hardest part for me was at 20 miles. I wasn't sure I would get to the finish, but just took it one step at a time, one mile at a time. It is strange how walking the last mile gave us a new burst of energy, and the incredible sense of achievement was...., well just amazing! Thank you and well done to everyone who took part, whether organiser, volunteer, walker or the people who turned out to cheer everyone on.

87. Jill Muir

First moonwalk and what a fantastic experience. Thousands of people joining together for an exceptional cause. Well done to everybody who walked and to all those who organised.  Roll on next year.

88. Caroline Lorenzo

Wow what a night!! It was my 1st experience doing a half marathon and I was VERY nervous. But why? Everyone involved in WtW including the walkers were totally wonderful.  I was put at me ease as soon as I left my family at the gate to walk through on my own.  But I never felt on my own for a second.  The entertainment was fab, food was mamouth! good vibes everywhere, and the walk itself? Good natured, hard work, inspiring, overwhelming, joyous and rewarding.

Thank you SO much for the best experience of my life

Caroline Lorenzo 4193

89. Susan Silk

I may be sitting here writing my story with aching feet and legs, but I have a huge smile and an amazing sense of achievement. My husband Dave,  daughter Stephanie and I let our 'Bras do the Talking and our Feet do the Walking' what a fab night we had. Was it hard...yes...was it exhausting ...yes...but what FUN! We did it for much the same reason as everyone else there who has been touched by breast cancer. Celia, Karen, Denise and Jenny our 'lovely girls' have all battled with it in resent years. My sister Diane lost her long battle.....So yes, we ache a bit, we need some sleep, but we'll be fine in a few hours. We had the BEST NIGHT and raised an amazing amount of money for the cause. May I also say... not only did the girls on route get lovely comments from the crowds, so did Dave, he was told on a number of occassions that he had 'fab baps', 'great knockers' and 'blimey look at the size of those puppies'! Thanks to everyone who made it possible for us to cross the finish line with our chests fit to burst with pride and our eyes filled with happy tears. Oh yeh...fab medal! thanks xxx

90. Dawn Baxter

Just to say what a fantastic time we had last night walking the half moonwalk.  The whole experience was brilliant - from the time we walked into Playtex City to the time we left at 4.45am.  The volunteers were brilliant - cheering us on at every turn.  Many thanks to everyone involved - it was truly an amazing experience (I esp liked being mooned at by the squaddie from the household cavalry and the drunk squaddie who walked with us for a while chatting about the sight of 15000 women in bras)

91. Terri Stonehouse

I'm coming to London from the midlands on the train tonight to take part in the walk for second time last one being in 2006.My friend jane wathall is zone 14 leader and it will be 5 years to the day that she lost her mum to breast cancer.And for me well lost my mum to breast cancer 11 years ago and yesterday my dad to colon cancer.I need to walk the walk even though mentally I'm low I know that I am helping to do my bit of GOOD. GOOD LUCK TO ALL  X


Page Last Modified: 01/06/2009


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All Challenges

Gala's Story

"I can’t recommend The MoonWalk enough. I finished my first full MoonWalk in 2006, just six months after completing a very different marathon of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for breast cancer. The training schedule helped me regain and then quickly surpass my former fitness level. The feeling of elation and achievement crossing the finish line the first time was worth every single minute of the seven and half hours it took me to walk the 26 miles.

I continued to walk regularly at least five miles three times a week and last year even discovered I could run – something I never thought I would be physically capable of doing even before breast cancer.

You could say the MoonWalk quite literally changed my life in that respect – but more importantly it may have saved my life too. I had the bad luck of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer last December, but because I was so fit I had hardly any fat on my abdomen, which meant my surgeon was able to see, get to and remove 95% of my tumour. If that isn’t a good reason to stay in shape I don’t know what is.

I’m half way through chemotherapy again now and hope to be finished by the beginning of May. It’s a bit ambitious to go for the full Moonwalk this year – but I am going to try for the Half Moon if I can. I can’t think of better motivation to get up, get active and reclaim my life again. Oh – and raise pots of cash for a good cause too!

Every time I go into hospital for treatment I now see a Walk-to-Walk scalp cooler and think, “My sponsorship might have paid for that one.” It’s empowering to know that you can make a difference to someone’s life just by putting one foot in front of the other."

David's Story

David is taking part in the Full Moon at The Playtex MoonWalk on 16th May along with his wife Sue, daughter Charlotte and son Peter, close family friend Annabel and her daughter Amy.He has a very special reason for taking part as in October 2008 he was diagnosed with breast cancer and has since had a full mastectomy,chemotherapy and a course of radiotherapy.

Passionate about raising awareness to the fact that men can develop the disease he shares his story:

"I have always considered myself to be very fit , had a healthy diet, enjoyed sport and had never been ill. I wasn't even aware that I should be checking for any signs, so really didn't give it much thought when I noticed a lump under my nipple when I was showering. Unconcerned, I mentioned it in passing to Sue who insisted that I visited my doctor and reminded me that my mother had died of breast cancer!

To say I was shocked when I was given the diagnosis, that the tumour could have been growing for three to four years and that cancerous cells had also been found under my arm, was an understatement. I had only gone to put Sue's mind at rest, I never considered the fact that I could possibly have breast cancer. 

This has been a massive challenge that I have faced with the fantastic help and support of my family. Taking part in The MoonWalk is celebration of the end of my radiotherapy and the return to my life before my breast cancer was diagnosed!!"

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