Our Stories

Debs Story

Dear all, just wanted to share a  very precious night in my life with you all. On Saturday 19th May 2007 I left my house alone and travelled up to Hyde Park with 15,000 other women ( and a few men ) to take part in the Moonwalk. For those who don't know - it is a 26.2 mile power-walk around London over night raising funds for breast cancer research.  I was in the first group to go out - and started my walk about 2300 hrs.

The night was chilly and I can honestly say I'd never been surrounded by so many people but felt so alone. I did get the opportunity though to put life and the world ( that surrounds me ) in to perspective - especially when you remember why all those people were there in the first place ( the 1 minute silence before the start demonstrated that more than ever. )  The first 7 miles were literally a walk in the park for me - I felt bright and breezy, well into my stride and Ipod playing away - then I saw the 8 mile marker - suddenly for no known reason I felt intimidated that I'd only walked a third of the route - my chest hurt - my brain / thoughts began to do overtime and I panicked. This panic made me feel sick physically to the point where I almost stopped to force myself to be sick,  but another part of me said "no don't be stupid" you'll never get going again. I worried about not completing the journey - my challenge - I continued to walk, but riddled with doubts I'd never felt before, in all my three Moonwalks. Thoughts of Fiona's courage kept me going.

I strode on - thinking basically this - ALMOST THERE..................as I passed the 25 mile marker I had convinced myself that a sprint finish wasn't out of the question - I really felt that determined. Phone rang - "where are you Deb ? " - I laughed at Fiona as I panted the words out " less that a mile now" I thought I heard her crying - but didn't give it to much thought, she's a soppy moo like me and she'd have given anything to have been there again with me, I know that.
 
I headed towards the Pink tent and the finish line - the oasis in a night full of emotion. I could see a woman in a small group waving frantically at someone obviously behind me, and I remembered how good that felt. I knew I was finishing alone, and had prepared for that fact mentally already.
 
I wasn't sure at exactly what point the woman waving suddenly turned into Fiona, but I do know that the as soon as I realised it was her I burst into tears and she did too. We hugged and hugged, and for one moment nothing else was going on at all - just me and her. Her husband, Simon, and her children Sophie and James were there as well, but for the life of me I just didn't register. Fi grabbed my arm and we walked the final 200 yards together towards the finish, with her pleading that she wasn't going over the line with me. I was just shouting out to everyone who'd listen that she was my reason for being there and we were going to finish together. Just like we did last year - we crossed the line together crying - just like last year !!
 
I asked the medal presenters to give mine to Fiona - she'd been there with me, all night in spirit. Fiona didn't want it - but she got it anyway - I think she forgets Chemo takes 6 visits at over 8 hours a time, you feel sick for days afterwards. The pain I was now feeling in my legs will go .............. it was 6 hours and 20 minutes out of my life. I know who I'd give the medal to !!  Fiona, you kept saying I was you're hero - if I thought doing it again would oust the cancer, I'd do it again and again - you're my hero.
 
This is my way of letting all my friends know how much your presence means to me, especially last night/ this morning - it is a rare bond between two people.  I can't thank you enough for the support you, your family and friends have shown to me through this very special Moonwalk.

Well done you. xx

Do you have a story to tell of how Walk the Walk has become part of your life or perhaps you have conquered cancer through Power Walking? Then please get in touch with either Sally O or Claire by clicking here

The Puddle Ducks support The SunWalk!

Our favourite nursery has been at it again as celebrity chef Matt Tebbutt of Market Kitchen, UKTV Food and Castle in the Country fame paid a special visit to Puddle Ducks nursery in Raglan to help support the nursery’s ‘fit, healthy and fun’ campaign!

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