The MoonWalk London 2013 at Battersea Power Station

13 May 2013

Nazrene Hanif

13 May 2013

“Everyone knows someone that has or has been affected by cancer.” This was, of course, the serious message behind last night’s event, but participants of Walk the Walk’s MoonWalk are united rather than dispirited by this fact.

Undeterred by the adverse weather, the crowd of 17,000 gathered at Battersea Power Station before their moonlit march through London. Touchingly, it was an all-encompassing occasion: from 13 year-olds Thomas Finlay and Amy Roberts, through to Denise Duffy at 82 and Paul Freeman MBE at 88 years old.

This camaraderie and feeling of family was empowering. MoonWalkers were not only supporting the collaboration between key players in the fight against cancer, they were also encouraging one another in the challenge of power-walking up to 26 miles.

An equally impressive collection of celebrity walkers included Walk the Walk ambassador and actress Harriet Thorpe, comediennes Jennifer Saunders and Sally Phillips, singer Alison Moyet, The Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MP and token male, journalist Boyd Hilton.

When asked about her motivation Saunders replied: “Like anything, you know it’s going to end. Just get through it, be in the moment…enjoy it because it’s such a great event, great company, great spirit, you sort of get carried along!”

It was certainly easy to get caught up in the buzzing party atmosphere. The venue was a blur of pink balloons and silver stars, women and men clad in inventively decorated costumes, with some nodding to Madonna in conical bras bearing planets.

The Globestars provided the night’s entertainment with an extensive catalogue of floor fillers. Joining the Fly me to the Moon theme in sequinned shiny outfits, space boots and silver face paint, the six-piece had all the energy needed to captivate the audience’s attention.

Founder and Chief Executive Nina Barough took to the stage flanked rather incongruously by Star Wars villains, the 501^st Legion. “I can’t really concentrate with Darth Vader breathing down my neck,” she laughed, before offering her heartfelt congratulations to the crowd:

“This time last year, I stood on this stage completely in awe that we’d raised £2 million. [Tonight] we have raised £3.2 million and we haven’t even gone anywhere!” This was met with rapturous applause and a Mexican wave of cheers.

Walk the Walk’s inspirational motto was integral to every part of this vibrant, well executed and out of this world event: “Raise money, Raise awareness, Get fit and have fun!”

Nazrene Hanif
Photos: Sarah Louise Renwick

For further information about Walk the Walk and future events visit here.