Last year thousands of people lined up to walk either ten or 20 miles through the stunning surroundings of the park, raising a staggering amount for the charity and having a great day at the same time.
Breast Cancer Care hopes that this year even more people will turn up and stride out on Saturday, May 8.

Taking part in the Pink RibbonWalk brings together family, friends and colleagues to raise vital cash to enable the charity to fund essential information and support services for the 46,000 people who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK.

Its services include a helpline, discussion forums, local events,
one-to-one support sessions and a website, so that no-one need face a breast cancer diagnosis alone.

Petworth Park is one of the four biggest and most popular venues for the Pink Ribbonwalk – the others are Blenheim Palace, Scone Palace in Scotland and Harewood House in Yorkshire.

Charity walkers from all over the south of England travel to West Sussex to show their support.

Denise Lewis, Breast Cancer Care's sporting ambassador, said: "Participating in a Pink RibbonWalk is an incredibly fun and rewarding experience.

"My mum and I walked at Blenheim Palace and both had such a special day which we look forward to repeating again."

People take part in the walk as individuals or part of a team of family, friends or workmates. Among those who completed the 20-mile route at Petworth last year was a team of five from the Observer.

Observer reporter Lewis Brown said: "It was a fantastic day, I couldn't think of a better place to do a 20-mile walk.

"There was such a good atmosphere among the participants, and everyone who came back over the finishing line did so with a smile on their face."

With a choice of ten or 20-mile routes, the walk is ideal whatever somebody's age or fitness level.

It is accessible for all and Breast Cancer Care will help participants through their training by providing a full schedule they can easily incorporate into their weekly routine.


PROVIDING VALUABLE SUPPORT

Breast Cancer Care is there for anyone affected by breast cancer. The charity brings people together, provides information and support,
and campaigns for improved standards of care.

It uses its understanding of people's experience of breast cancer and its clinical expertise in everything it does. For more information visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk or call the free helpline on 0808 800 6000.

There are so many ways support from Breast Cancer Care can touch the lives of people affected by breast cancer:

* £23 pays for a call to the helpline for up-to-date information on any aspect of diagnosis and treatment as well as confidential and sensitive support on the personal impact of the disease. Taking as much time as a caller needs, conversations can last more than an hour.

* £52 pays to support someone through the devastating impact of hair loss caused by some breast cancer treatments. The charity's personalised HeadStrong sessions offer guidance on all aspects of hair loss, scalp care and choosing and using scarves and hats. Each person receives an individual appointment giving them a safe and supportive environment in which they can begin to build their confidence and adjust to the impact of their treatment.

* £132 pays to connect someone going through breast cancer with a trained volunteer who has had a similar experience to them. Breast Cancer Care knows how much reassurance and encouragement people can get from talking to someone who has been there, so it takes care to find out the best match possible for each individual.

* The Breast Cancer Care Pink RibbonWalk has been taking place for the past five years. It started in 2005 with just one event taking place at Blenheim Palace, and due to their popularity they have grown to four walks taking place across the UK with Scone Palace, Scotland launching last year.

* Over the past five years the Pink RibbonWalk has brought together more than 11,000 supporters and raised a record-breaking £4.5m to date.

* In 2010, 3,500 people are expected to take part in the sixth Pink RibbonWalk.

* At Petworth the walkers are welcomed in at the finish line with a medal and a fete-style festival with music and barbecue where family and friends join to celebrate.

* The event is also attended by celebrity supporters and friends and families of the walkers.

* In 2009 the Pink RibbonWalk raised £945,000, with money still coming in.



HOW TO ENTER

* Anyone wanting to to take part as a walker, or as part of a walking team in Breast Cancer Care's Pink RibbonWalk, should register online at www.pinkribbonwalk.org.uk or call 0870 145 0101.

* Entry to the Pink RibbonWalk costs just £30 and, in addition, participants are asked to raise £175 for Breast Cancer Care.

* They will receive a support pack with information on training and fundraising and a pink T-shirt to wear on the day.



What do you think? Send a letter to news@chiobserver.co.uk or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click here to add yourself to our readers' map.