THE Blenheim Palace Pink Ribbonwalk celebrates its 10th birthday in May and organisers Breast Cancer Care hope 825 women will mark the occasion and raise £230,000 for breast cancer sufferers.

Taking place on Saturday May 10, the Ribbonwalk began at Blenheim Palace but has since ‘sired’ other walks at Hampton Court Palace, Leeds Castle, Scone Palace in Scotland and, for the first time this year, at Chatsworth House in the Peak District.

Offering a 10 or 20-mile walking course, the Blenheim Ribbonwalk is possibly the country’s most picturesque charity event, snaking through the palace’s own beautiful grounds, as well as many of the neighbouring picture postcard villages.

All proceeds from the event go to the work of the UK-wide Breast Cancer Care charity, which offers specialist nurses, local services and an emotional support network for breast cancer sufferers.

One competitor who helped to raise a total of £156,000 at the Blenheim Ribbonwalk last year was Fiona Molnar, 55, of Bodicote, near Banbury.

Oxford Mail:

Fiona Molnar

Mum-of-two Mrs Molnar will take part in her sixth Pink Ribbonwalk this year, clocking up an impressive 120 miles in total and having raised over £1,000 for Breast Cancer Care.

Mrs Molnar was 29 and living in Australia when she found a lump in her breast.

She had surgery and the lump was found to be benign, but since then she has lost five loved ones to breast cancer.

She explained: “A close friend died of breast cancer, along with four other friends and relations, while two others have survived it.

“Thankfully no-one has fallen victim to it this year, which is a blessing. However, the work of Breast Cancer Care continues every day.”

Mrs Molnar always enters the more ambitious 20-mile Ribbonwalk and has now begun training for the event.

Encouraging others to sign up, she said: “Whether you do it with a friend, alone or in a big, fun group, just do it.

“It’s hard work, but it’s a great cause and there is such an amazing atmosphere.”

Pink Ribbonwalk patron, athlete Denise Lewis OBE, agreed: “I have taken part in Pink Ribbonwalks for a number of years now, and it is a day I look forward to. So get those walking shoes on and join us. It’s a fantastic way to help Breast Cancer Care to support those affected by breast cancer.”

Oxford Mail:

Denise Lewis

Registration costs £30 with walkers asked to raise £100 in sponsorship.

In return they receive free entry to the venue grounds (with a reduced entry fee for friends and family), a T-shirt and training guide to help prepare, and, at the finish line, a massage, meal and medal.

  • To register, visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk/ walk or call 0870 145 0101.
  • For details on Breast Cancer Care, visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk or call the charity’s free helpline on 0808 800 6000.
  • Are you entering? Tell the Oxford Mail by emailing nqonews@nqo.com