Officer completes charity walk less than a month after finishing cancer treatment

Inspector Keren Pope, from Huntingdon, completed the MoonWalk challenge in London on Saturday, May 14 with team ‘MoonWalk or Bust’. The group of more than 30 included colleagues and friends from the Woodlands Breast Cancer Support Group. So far the group has raised more than £10,000 for Walk the Walk - a grant making breast cancer charity.

The challenge started at 11pm, with people choosing to complete either 26.2 mile or 13.2 mile circuit. Many walking throughout the night to finish at 4am.

Keren was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2015 and completed her final treatment last month. She was joined on the challenge by Sergeant Liz Groom, Inspector Jayne Maggs and Detective Constable Rachel Weeks.

Keren said: “I thought this would be a good way to mark the end of that particular chapter in my life. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing. There were 15,000 people all supporting the same cause, starting from a huge pink tent situated on Clapham Common.

“There was a minutes silence to remember those no longer with us, and then the total amount MoonWalk has raised in the last year - £6 million.

“Along the route there were supporters clapping from flat windows and cars bibbing to offer encouragement. Crossing the finishing line was such an emotional feeling, as it really felt like I had moved onto the next chapter of my life.

“Having such a fantastic group of ladies with me was really special. We have trained together at various times during the past six months. Many of them have seen me going from barely able to walk from one side of my house to the other during treatment, to managing 15 miles at a fairly brisk pace. They have helped to raise such a large sum in sponsorship, which wouldn’t have been possible on my own.”

The Woodlands Breast Cancer Support Group, meets on the first Wednesday of every month, at the Woodlands, Hinchingbrooke Hospital. It is attended by a lively group of ladies to talk/have presentations about a range of subjects.

Keren said: “Everybody’s journey is different, but we have walked a similar path. So we are there for one another, and I feel I have made friends for life.”

To donate to support Keren and team ‘MoonWalk or Bust’ visit https://moonwalklondon2016.everydayhero.com/uk/moon-walk-or-bust