Thousands to walk for breast cancer charity

Thousands of islanders are set to walk across Guernsey next month, to mark 10 years of a breast cancer charity's sunset walks.

The Pink Ladies said it hoped 2,000 people would attend its event on 28 June to raise awareness and support those who had been affected by breast cancer.

It said the walk, which happens every two years, first launched in 2007 and typically attracted about 1,500 islanders, all dressed in pink.

The charity's chair, Naomi Leach, said: "As the Pink Ladies Guernsey approaches its 25th year, we are so looking forward to celebrating with friends and supporters of the charity... which is always a wonderful opportunity to celebrate life and living."

The event will be a first for Gemma Ainger, who was 42 when she diagnosed with an aggressive form of stage three breast cancer.

"Last year my life was turned upside down," she said.

"The hardest part of all that's happened to me is moving on from the fact that if I'd been paying attention to my body, its highly likely I would have caught my breast cancer earlier.

"I'll be walking the 10th sunset walk, a year after I discovered a lump, with so many of my biggest supporters, and I can't wait, it's going to be very emotional for me, that's for sure."

Fran Torode has taken part in the sunset walk since it launched in 2007.

"I take part every year because it's fun and supports a great cause; seeing the ribbon of pink clad walkers along the coast is an awe-inspiring sight," she said.

The charity said the full 13 mile (21km) route would start at Grandes Rocques at 17:30 BST, while the shorter three mile (4.8km) walk would begin at Bordeaux at 18:45.

It said warm-up sessions would be held at each starting point with a big pink party at Market Square until 23:00.

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