On Saturday 17th May 2025, thousands of women and men gathered at Clapham Common for the 27th annual MoonWalk London, a vibrant night-time charity walk organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk. Participants, donning decorated bras and brightly coloured bra t-shirts, completed either a half marathon (13.1 miles) or full marathon (26.2 miles) through London’s iconic streets to raise funds and awareness for people living with cancer. The event, which had already raised £2 million before the first step, was joined by dozens of virtual participants across the UK, amplifying its impact.
EastEnders stars Harriet Thorpe, who plays Elaine Knight, Adam Woodyatt, known as Ian Beale, and Laura Doddington, portraying Nicola Mitchell, added star power to the event. They were accompanied by radio and TV presenter Gaby Roslin, all walking as part of Harriet’s Big Tits Team. Their participation highlighted the event’s unifying spirit, with Thorpe, a Walk the Walk ambassador, leading the charge. The atmosphere was electric, with London landmarks like the London Eye and Battersea Power Station lit up in pink, creating a striking backdrop for the walkers’ efforts.
Walk the Walk, the UK’s largest grant-making breast cancer charity, has raised over £144 million since its inception in 1996. Founded by Nina Barough CBE, the charity began when she and 13 women power-walked the New York City Marathon in decorated bras, raising £25,000. Two months later, Barough’s own breast cancer diagnosis fuelled her mission to promote fitness and fund research. The MoonWalk, born from her vision, has grown into a global phenomenon, with events in London, Edinburgh, and Iceland. The charity’s grants support groundbreaking research, including Breast Cancer Now’s tissue bank and studies on secondary breast cancer, as well as care for those living with the disease.
Earlier on 17 May, hundreds participated in the 5K Zoom Walk, a fun, inclusive challenge back for its second year. Open to all ages and abilities, it offered an accessible way to join the cause. Walk the Walk’s ethos centres on encouraging healthier lifestyles through walking, with challenges ranging from 5km to 100 miles. The charity also champions awareness campaigns like Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too and Anyone Can Get Breast Cancer, ensuring inclusivity in its mission.
The 2025 MoonWalk saw volunteers play a vital role, with hundreds providing encouragement and logistical support. Volunteers received training, t-shirts, caps, and refreshments, with opportunities to develop teamwork skills. Lisa Tyrrell, a Walk the Walk spokesperson, praised their contribution: “We couldn’t do what we do without you and we are so grateful for your support!” The event’s success underscored the power of community, with every step and penny raised making a tangible difference.
Looking ahead, entries are open for The MoonWalk London 2026, set for Saturday 16 May, marking Walk the Walk’s 30th anniversary. Participants can choose the Full Moon (26.2 miles) or Half Moon Plus (15.1 miles), with live and virtual options available. A special offer allows sign-ups at £49.95, with a friend joining for half price, encouraging more to unite against cancer. The charity’s website, www.walkthewalk.org, provides registration details and training plans, including a 12-week programme to prepare walkers.
The MoonWalk’s impact extends beyond fundraising. By promoting physical activity, it empowers participants to take control of their wellbeing, aligning with research showing lifestyle’s role in cancer prevention. As Harriet Thorpe told the BBC in 2024, “The atmosphere was truly magical. There is something so beautiful about walking together for each other.” This sentiment resonated in 2025, as thousands walked under London’s night sky, united in hope and solidarity.
For more information or to sign up, contact Walk the Walk’s Lisa Tyrrell at 07554 337566 or Jen Broh at 07974 107999.
