Blenheim Palace hosts Breast Cancer Care Pink Ribbon Walk

More than a thousand men and women took on distances of 10 and 20 miles for Breast Cancer Care's Pink Ribbon Walk at the UNESCO World Heritage Site on Saturday.

With each walker encouraged to raise at least £100, it was no surprise that the final fundraising total was confirmed as more than £200,000.

Countryfile presenter John Craven, who lives in Oxfordshire, appeared on stage before he sounded the klaxon to start the 10-mile walk.

He said: “It was brilliant to be there helping this wonderful charity to support people affected by breast cancer, the most common cancer in the UK.

“Every 10 minutes, someone is told they have breast cancer so there has never been a more important time to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Care.”

Walkers of all ages flocked to the palace decked out in pink, with many taking the opportunity to bring their dogs on a Saturday morning walk with a difference.

Even the pooches looked pretty in pink as their owners attached colours to their collars.

Participants were invited to write personal messages on ribbons and add them to the charity’s dazzling ribbon display.

For the last 15 years, people have added their tributes to the display to create a moving memento for future walkers.

They ambled through Blenheim’s spectacular grounds, before their journey took them through woodland trails, picturesque Oxfordshire villages and the best of the county's beautiful rural scenery.

Preena Mistry, who managed the walk for the charity, said: “It’s always an incredibly emotional day and this year was no exception.

"People took part for so many reasons, we had people walking who are currently going through breast cancer treatment, people who have had treatment and friends and family of people affected.”

Every year, about 62,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK, including more than 500 people in Oxfordshire.

Money raised from the walk will help the charity find ways to prevent the disease, develop new treatments and support people with the physical and emotional impact of breast cancer.

The palace provides ample opportunity for a charity walk during the summer months, with about the same number of people taking part in the Blenheim 7k run at the end of April.

Runners represented an array of charities at the family fun run, which saw walkers, joggers, buggies and wheelchairs take on the challenge.

Last month, Breast Cancer Care merged with Breast Cancer Now to create one charity for everyone affected by breast cancer.

It is now the only specialist UK-wide charity providing support for women, men, family and friends affected by breast cancer.

The next Pink Ribbon Walk takes place at Chatsworth and the Peak District on June 15.

To find out how you can walk and show your support, go to breastcancercare.org.uk/ribbonwalk