Sisters, mothers, aunts and friends will stand shoulder to shoulder this summer to support others affected by breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Care will be making a return visit to Leeds Castle near Maidstone for the second year to stage the Pink Ribbonwalk this summer, supported by the KM.

On Saturday, June 7, people can take a 10 or 20-mile route around the picturesque setting, together raising thousands to support those with breast cancer.

Some 500 people stepped out for the first walk held in the county in June last year.

Among those the event supports are women like Mandee Castle.

Having breast cancer has shown her how awesome women can be, she said.

The 46-year-old mum-of-one was diagnosed in November 2012, after visiting the doctor about a raised mole on her back.

Breast cancer ran in her family, with her great-grandmother, grandmother and great-aunt all having had the disease, although she does not have the hereditary cancer gene.

But Mandee, of Canada Road, Deal, who had a mastectomy and is now awaiting reconstructive surgery for both breasts later this year, said: “Cancer has shown me how awesome women can be. I’ve met so many, all similar age, who just get on with it. Breast cancer is ugly and disfiguring but it also helps you appreciate life from a whole new perspective.”

She went to regular meetings with a group Together Offering Positive Support (TOPS), which is run by Linda Dixon and also found support and friendship in an informal group run by Chantelle Rashbrook, and an activities secret holiday programme for cancer patients.

It costs £30 to register to take part in the Pink Ribbonwalk and every participant will receive a T-shirt and training guide, while at the finish line they will be treated to a well-earned massage, post-walk meal and medal.
Walkers need to raise £100 in sponsorship which goes to help fund Breast Cancer Care’s specialist services, and get free entry to the venue grounds, with family and friends getting a reduced entry fee on the day.

The average walking time for the shorter route is between three and five hours, while the 20-mile route can take between six and nine-and-a-half hours.

To register visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk/walk or call 0870 145 0101.