Step into 2010 with a walking challenge for breast cancer research

Press Release For immediate use: 4 January 2010 Press contact: Louise Garrahan, Media Relations Officer, Breast Cancer Campaign, DD 0207 749 3724, Email: lgarrahan@breastcancercampaign.org Step into 2010 with a walking challenge for breast cancer research Breast Cancer Campaign is encouraging everyone to banish post-Christmas blues by stepping up to beat breast cancer in our individual walking challenge STEP ON IT. If you’re determined to burn off those Christmas calories, now is the perfect time to sign up to STEP ON IT and walk a step for every person diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year – that’s 46,000 steps – while getting fit in the process. You can do this on your own, with friends, colleagues or even walking the dog. Simply ask your family and friends to sponsor you for every step you take and help Campaign fund vital breast cancer research. Events Executive, Sarah England, said: “In 2009 hundreds of people across the UK did STEP ON IT and we’d love more people in 2010 to lace up their walking boots or trainers to support the 46,000 people that will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Not only is STEP ON IT a great way to get back in shape after Christmas but the money you raise from taking part will help fund innovative research into this disease and so far we’ve raised £20,500. So grab your woolly hat and gloves and get walking to help us take a step closer to beating breast cancer.” 46,000 steps is approximately 23 miles. In that distance you could burn off around 2,300 calories which is the equivalent of: • Seven portions of Christmas pudding with brandy cream (single portion is 329 calories) • Nine glasses of mulled wine (one glass is 245 calories) • Eight handfuls of mixed nuts (one handful is 256 calories) • 12 mince pies (one is 185 calories) Walking is great exercise that’s good for your health; it helps prevent weight gain and boosts energy levels promoting a feeling of general well being. Regular exercise is also important in reducing the risk of a number of diseases including breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, colon cancer, and osteoporosis. Sign up today and we will send you a free pedometer, hints and tips on how to clock up your steps and sponsorship forms. To request a STEP ON IT fundraising pack, or for more information, please call the Events team on 020 7749 4126 or visit www.friendshipwalks.co.uk/steponit ENDS Notes to editors • Breast Cancer Campaign aims to beat breast cancer by funding innovative world-class research to understand how breast cancer develops, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure • Currently it supports 115 research projects, worth over £15.6 million, in 44 centres of excellence across the UK and Ireland • Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and accounts for nearly one in three of all cancers in women • In the UK, nearly 46,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year - that’s 125 a day • Visit www.breastcancercampaign.org • Read Chief Executive Pamela Goldberg’s blog http://pamelagoldbergblog.blogspot.com/

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