WALKERS took part in the 10th annual Pink Ribbonwalk on Saturday to support those affected by breast cancer.

More than 1,000 people joined the event in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, battling through rain and strong winds during the morning.

They took part in either a 10- or 20-mile walk and were treated to giant inflatable candles, a rock choir and even a birthday cake to mark the walk’s 10th anniversary.

Oxford Mail:

The Walkie Talkie team with Lisa Jones, centre 

TV personality Linda Barker and presenter Helen Fospero also turned up to support the event, in the hope of raising more than £100,000 for Breast Cancer Care.

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Krystyna Fedorciow photographs the action

Margaret King, 66, of Poffley End, Hailey, near Witney, has taken part in the walk nine times and was there for the first one in 2004.

She dedicated her efforts to family members she has lost to breast cancer and Waddington Lions Club founder Tony Waddington, who died in 2006.

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Margaret King, left, who has taken part nine times, and Val Pole who has done the walk six times

Mrs King said: “It’s great fun every year. It’s a fantastic course and a really good cause to support. I’m looking forward to my 10th, which will hopefully be next year.”

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Jacqueline Davies, left, and Nicola Milton in their pink woolly hats

Jane Pendall, 57, from Winterbrook, Wallingford, organised a team of 14 women – called the Walkie Talkies – to walk with her friend Lisa Jones, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in December.

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Jennie Youngs, Ann Carvell and Ruth Pain

After the walk she said the team was close to hitting the £5,000 mark and added: “It was fantastic. The main reason we put the team together was to show support for Lisa.

 

“The money was always a secondary goal, but it has become very important and has really given Lisa and the rest of us a big boost.”

Lucy Johnston, UK walks manager at Breast Cancer Care, said the charity wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part.

She said: “It was extra special to see so many people taking part on our 10th anniversary year.

“With one person diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes, there has never been such an urgent need for our services.”

For more pictures, go to http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/pictures/picture_galleries/pink_ribbon/

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