Why Ribbon Walk cause is close to Susan’s heart

Jun 5 2009 by Katy Gordon, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Why Ribbon Walk cause is close to Susan’s heart

KINROSS woman Susan McHardy is gearing up to walk for Breast Cancer Care.

Mum Susan (42) who works as a sales manager for Club la Costa at Duchally Country Estates near Auchterarder, will be walking in the first ever Scottish Ribbon Walk at Scone Palace on June 13.

And joining Susan will be her mum Catherine and sister Caroline.

As with many people taking part in the Ribbon Walk, the fight against breast cancer is a personal one for Susan.

“My mum had breast cancer,” she explained. “But she is now fully recovered.

“I’ve also got three close friends and each of their mums have all suffered from the disease.”

Although organisers Breast Cancer Care have only asked for individuals to raise £175, the trio has already made more than £500 for the charity.

The three women live in different parts of the country so Susan has often had to rely on four-legged training partners.

And it’s not just the family pets who are helping her out.

“My husband and son have been very supportive and they will be there on the day to cheer us on.”

The Kinross woman is no stranger to fundraising for charity.

“I have done a lot of charity events, including walking for guide dogs, so I’m not totally new to the experience.

“But it is a walk, so you don’t have to be super-fit to take part. People can take it at their own pace.

“And it’s a great experience, you get to meet people and quite often the walkers will help each other along.”

However, Susan admitted the weather will play an important part.

She said: “I am hoping for good weather, but not too hot.”

The Ribbon Walk is a 10 or 20-mile route around the grounds of Scone Palace and is open to all ages and levels of fitness.

Each entrant will be given a pink ribbon to wear to show their support for the 46,000 UK women who receive the bad news that they have breast cancer each year.

Anyone wanting to take part can register at www.ribbonwalk.org.uk or call 0870 145 0101.