Walking the Walk

Finished!

When I reluctantly agreed to do the Moonwalk a few months ago, it did cross my mind - 'what the hell have I done? 26 miles in the middle of the night with 17,000 mad people in decorated bras in a big party atmosphere with everyone uniting against breast cancer...' my idea of hell. It wasn't the walk that bothered me particularly, it was the idea of the 'all sisters together with their boobs out' thing that didn't appeal....but then, I can be a bit of a miserable bugger like that sometimes....

I was feeling a little like that miserable old bugger when I walked into the massive pink tent a couple of hours before the start of the walk. The music was booming, and every square inch was covered by women and a handful of blokes dressed in feathers, tutus, and all other manner of sparkly bits on the theme of 'walking on the wild side.'

I was reminded of the many occasions as a student - when I'd walk into a night club, trying to be cool, knowing that I wasn't, pretending I was having a great time, but wishing that I was somewhere else - somewhere more quiet and civilised - anywhere but there!

A sea of pink hats in the noisy pink tent.

I found a space, sat down on the floor and listened to the celebs whipping up whoops of enthusiasm. Jennifer Saunders, Ruby Wax and even bonny Prince Charlie all had something to say. 'I wish we could just get on with the walk now,' I grumbled to my long suffering friend Karen.

I gazed around and noticed that the young girl sitting next to me didn't seem to be with anyone, so I struck up a conversation. She was only 19, her friend was supposed to be doing it with her but had let her down at the last minute. 'I'm doing it for my grandma,' she said, shyly.

'Good for you,' I smiled, and instantly felt bad for being so grumpy. Behind all the feathers and the fancy costumes, everyone was there because they had been motivated to try and make a difference - everyone had their own story, their own experience, and wanted to be part of an event that 'united against breast cancer.' Exactly what it had said on the tin.

And so, as grumpy pants walked her way into Hyde Park 7.5 hours later, just after dawn with 200 yards to go, she cried. Surrounded by other people's family and friends clapping and cheering, surrounded by fellow walkers all with their own tales to tell, and surrounded by my own lovely friends...it just kind of hit me a bit.

Somewhere in the middle of the night in London

We managed to see the young girl again afterwards looking as tired and as bedraggled as we all were. We all gave her a big hug before she left for home. She had done her grandma proud.

Thank you to all those who sponsored me and the team, and others who gave us so many messages of support. We've managed to raise over 2,500 quid so we're absolutely delighted.

Oh, and if any of you are wondering whether or not I'll be doing this inspiring, uplifting, emotional event again, the answer is simple...

...not bloody likely!