JCW are always proud to share and support stories about our amazing staff going above and beyond their duties. We celebrate the staff we employ for their commitment to charities and are humbled by the time and dedication they give to something they are passionate about. Our Company Secretary, Gemma, is no stranger when it comes to supporting worthy causes. She has walked, ran and even swam in freezing waters to help raise money for charity. So, when a friend, who on turning 50 decided she wanted a challenge, put a group of friends and family forward to raise money for cancer, Gemma did not hesitate to join in the proposed event. At that moment, little did they know just how close to home cancer was going to hit again.

The Charity

Walk the Walk came into being 21 years ago when just 13 women power walked the New York City Marathon in their bras to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Today Walk the Walk is the UK's largest grant making breast cancer charity. What started out as a one-off fundraising event quickly developed into a striving multi-million pound charity, raising to date, in excess of £128 million for vital breast cancer causes.

The Event

This year the London Walk the Walk will be held on the 11th May 2019 from Clapham Common. It will involve walking a total of 26.2 miles - at night!

1,000’s are expected to take part in this MoonWalk where men and women will be seen proudly wearing bras to help raise millions of pounds which can then be granted to a number of benefiting causes.

Why Walk the Walk

We all have, at some point, been touched by someone with cancer. Gemma’s grandmother passed away, following a repeated fight against the disease and her friend and colleague, Lynne who runs the JCW fleet, has recently battled and won her own fight against breast cancer.

Too close to home

The application was already in to join the MoonWalk when Gemma’s best friend Chenelle, who is also part of the group, received some devastating news. Her sister had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Although the news has hit the family hard, they are united in their strength and optimisim for the future. Since the diagnosis, Chenelle’s sister has had a lump removed and is about to start chemotherapy this week.

Cancer has struck again, to another person close to Gemma’s circle of friends and family. This has made them all even more determined than ever, to complete the 26.2 mile night time power walk.

Chelle’s Belles

Gemma’s group of friends and family members have entered their group - Chelle’s Belles. 12 ladies will be out all night to walk their walk, their way - in their bras! This isn’t just a quick stroll in the park. It is over 26 miles of power walking and will take between 7 to 8 hours to complete.

Gemma’s training

Gemma is a regular walker, but normally just with her dog Buster, so she knew she would need to get in training to ensure she can complete such a long trek. Buster is now very happy as his walks are getting longer!

Gemma and Chenelle have just completed a 10.8 mile walk through Broxbourne in just under 3 hours. They have some way to go to match the optimum speed, but are certainly heading in the right direction. Their target is to increase their distance to 15 miles within the next 4 weeks, building this up to 20 miles by the end of April. This is no mean feat! Not only does it take stamina to walk for these distances, the time that Gemma and the group are dedicating is worthy of praise in itself.

Raising money

Many survive their battle with cancer but the physical and emotional scars never leave. It affects everyone in some way, and Gemma is very keen to raise support, awareness and funds for organisations to help all those dealing with, and living with cancer.

Walk the Walk helps fund many organisation that offer emotional and physical support for those living with cancer. If you would like to know more about where the money goes, please click here.

Please help Gemma and her group raise money for such a worthy cause. Literally every bit helps. If you would like to donate, please click here.

On behalf of Gemma and Chelle’s Belles they would like to say a big thank you for your support.