Autumn is an exciting time of the year. It's nothing to do with X-Factor live shows, leaves falling off the trees, trick or treating or the imminent return of the festive red cups in Starbucks, but everything to do with the fact that this week sees the launch of the 2014 MoonWalk.
The MoonWalk is a fundraising event organised by Walk the Walk in support of breast cancer charities where the streets of London are taken over, at night, by approximately 17,000 bra-wearing power-walkers in matching hi-vis caps. The challenge is to complete a full or half marathon and entry is open to anyone and everyone of all abilities.
The first event was the brainchild of founder Nina Barough who decided to power walk the New York City Marathon wearing decorated bras with 12 of her friends. 16 years later there are now events across the globe organised by Nina and her team and Walk the Walk has, to date, raised around 72 million pounds and changed lives. Wowsers!
My first London MoonWalk was 2007. I have now taken part four times and been lucky enough to host three times with Funny Women, meeting some wonderful people all with a story to tell. Every year is different with a theme to inspire the costumes and entertainment. It really is like a giant party before the actual walk kicks off. The sight of MoonWalk City, a huge bright pink tent, is spectacular and the atmosphere is electric and there are thousands of women (and men!) looking fabulous in their bras.
There are celebrity guests and lots of different bras on display, sparkly ones, light up ones, brightly coloured ones, outrageous ones, modest ones, flowery ones, sexy ones, beaded ones, knitted ones, pointy ones, brave ladies go bare underneath, shy ladies with t-shirts underneath, amazing gentlemen with hairy chested cleavages, messages and names daubed on décolletages, glitter, feather boas, hats, balloons, neon necklaces…think giant hen party – but with sensible shoes and Vaseline between the toes!
Last year’s theme was Space and I was thrilled when I received my pack in the post with silver rockets and flying saucers on the Moonwalk hat and t-shirt. My bra was adorned with space themed sweets and chocolate (Galaxy, Mars, Orbit, Star Bar, my mum is a genius and made me a matching tutu) I got to meet characters from ‘Star Wars’ and enjoyed seeing the fantastic outfits people had made.
The place is buzzing as the walkers gather inside to be entertained and warmed up, looked after extremely well by hundreds of volunteers standing by to take in bags, give out refreshments, information, directions, macs, space blankets, water, massages and general encouragement before the first few thousands cross the start line at 11.00pm.
After a quick aerobic workout to loosen us up by the bra-wearing fitness guru Roy Gayle we set off on our 13 mile ‘chat and stroll’ – I tip my pink cap to the full marathoners but my poor ankles would never allow for 26 miles! The sensation of being part of such a huge team of people is absolutely indescribable. The spectacle of the colourful trail of thousands in bras at night overwhelming, especially to the revellers stumbling out of the pubs rubbing their eyes in amazement.
To see the city at night walking along the Southbank at 3am and feeling so empowered is a privilege and makes for great memories. The camaraderie as we gossip and chat and compliment each others costumes and the shouts of encouragement from the volunteers really keep you going.
My legs usually become stiff around mile six and the sight of the mile marker signs becomes like a glowing miracle as the finishing line looms in the distance and the sun comes up. At mile 12 I think to myself “never again” as my poor weary feet and ankles are wondering what on earth they had done to deserve this.
And there it is! Like a mirage, the finishing line and cheers and clapping and the sense of relief and achievement and hugs that we made it! At 7.00am I sit on the bus home proudly wearing my medal and special t-shirt and update my Facebook and Twitter to say I’ve done it and share again my fundraising page to get more donations and exceed my target. Even although it takes me 10 minutes to crawl up the stairs to my flat and I feel I could sleep for a week and will be walking with a limp for most of it.
I doze off remembering what a wonderful time I had and thinking about the inspiring stories told by breast cancer survivors. I recall the laughs, the tears, the dancing and marching alongside smiling beautiful women, some of whom are still battling this horrible illness defiantly. I think of the messages of love and hope written on t-shirts and the sheer determination of bodies all shapes and sizes pounding the streets, each with their own reasons for being there, some of whom this may be their last long walk and some who will benefit from the money we have all raised. As I drift off to sleep the “never again” voice fades and I remember how lucky I am and I ponder “I wonder what the theme will be next year…”
Suzy Bennett
You can register for the 2014 Rockabilly themed MoonWalk HERE!
Pictured: Suzy models her 2013 Space themed MoonWalk outfit.
