MP, Mike Freer, took part in a half-marathon over the weekend to raise money for Walk the Walk, a charity which focuses on helping to fund research into tackling breast cancer.
Mr Freer was one of four Parliamentarians taking part in the midnight walk, walking together as a cross-party ‘MP & Peer team’. The starting line was at Clapham Common and the route took walkers through Battersea Park, past Tate Britain, the London Eye, Tate Modern, the Globe and then back round via the Houses of Parliament, round St James’ Park and then up the Mall towards Buckingham Palace and then back south towards Clapham.
In total, due to the direction of the route, participants undertaking the half-marathon walked a total of 15 miles.
Over 15,000 people took part in the MoonWalk London on Saturday night and before even one step had been taken, a staggering £3.5 million had been raised. Since the race money has continued to come in.
Mr Freer raised over £2,000 which will go towards supporting charities continue to change the lives of those suffering from this terrible disease.
Mr Freer’s interest in this issue stems from his personal experiences of having friends that have suffered from the disease. It was that very real understanding of the effects of the disease which led to him campaigning on improving screening services in the local area, many years before becoming an MP.
Since becoming MP for Finchley & Golders Green, the issues of breast screening has remained high on his agenda. Mr Freer has been campaigning for a permanent static breast screening unit to be located at the hospital and it was announced in April 2016 that this had been agreed in principle.
Mr Freer commented: “Taking part in the MoonWalk London was an excellent experience. As MPs our approach to issues can often be very academic; whether it be through reports, statistics or other research data. But taking part in the charity walk gave me the opportunity to see the human side of the fight against breast cancer.
He continued, “£2,000 may be a drop in the ocean when it comes to what is needed to keep support charities provide the vital support needed to research into better treatments for cancer patients. Regardless, I hope my small contribution will add to thousands of other donations received.”