Exeter’s Karen Moonwalks to beat Breast Cancer

Karen MacMillan, who leads the Reception Team at the Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital, walked through the night on Saturday to raise over £1,100 for breast cancer awareness charities.

Karen, of Dawlish, walked for 26.2 miles through the streets and parks of London dressed as a member of the carefully named “Star Tits Enterprise”.

“A year ago, I was in hospital having just had a double mastectomy and reconstruction," said Karen.

“I had cancer in 1991 and a recurrence in 2001, and tests have since showed that I had a faulty gene, along with other female members of my family. My mum died of breast cancer aged only 38 and seven out of eight of Mum’s cousins also carried the gene. After the op, I agreed with my friend Beccy Pooley that we would do the walk next year, and suddenly it was here!”

Karen and Becky started small with 4 and 5 mile walks, but ended up doing 56 miles in a week to finish their training.

“The walk was tough, and we were both really tired. But people had pledged over £1100 so that kept me going. And the rest of the walkers were such an inspiration as well. I’m very proud of what we have achieved and thrilled to raise so much cash.”

Hospital Director Paul Taylor said “Karen is an inspiration. Her commitment to this cause, her determination to succeed and her enthusiasm have just been fantastic. Our staff here at the Nuffield Health Exeter are an excellent group of people.”

Click here to read about Karen's progress and for the chance to boost her fundraising efforts.