Charity walker has target of 100km over nine days

Walk the Walk raises money for treating breast cancer through various challenges such as the midnight Moonwalks which take place in London, Scotland and Ireland.

Mrs Cowens’ parents were both diagnosed with breast cancer, which is why she began to support the charity.

‘I started supporting Walk the Walk back in 2012, in memory of my dad, and also several lovely friends. I also walk in celebration of my mum and my amazing friends who have come through breast cancer treatment, or are still fighting,’ said Mrs Cowens, who has since raised £11,000.

Her target is to walk 100km in nine days from today.

She plans to complete the challenge by walking to and from work each day and doing longer stretches on the weekend.

Mrs Cowens aims to raise awareness of breast cancer as a whole, but particularly wants to emphasise the importance of men knowing what symptoms to look for.

‘Many people think breast cancer is a female thing. It’s so important to make people aware that men get it too, and men still need to do their checks,’ said Mrs Cowens.

This will be the longest walk that she has completed for the charity.

‘It does get difficult sometimes, like when you need to train and the weather outside is miserable,’ she said.

‘What keeps me going is that breast cancer patients can’t look out of the window and think “I’m not getting breast cancer today”.’

Mrs Cowens would like to encourage people to get involved even if they have never participated in walking challenges.

‘This may be your chance to experience the backing you get from the charity. You could do your first event without even leaving the island. Push for that sponsorship and see how good you feel,’ she said. ‘But nothing can replace the feeling of togetherness, support, laughter, tears and emotion of an actual Walk the Walk event.’

. More information is available at www.walkthewalk.org.