Nina Barough CBE, founder of the cancer charity Walk the Walk, has been awarded the prestigious Freedom of the City of London at a ceremony last month. The honour recognises her exceptional contribution to public health and cancer support over the past three decades.
Inspiring Half a Million People
During this time, Barough has inspired half a million people to take on a Walk the Walk challenge, including the iconic overnight fundraising event, The MoonWalk London.
Walk the Walk, founded in 1996, has raised more than £148 million for cancer prevention, research, and the emotional and physical care of those living with cancer. Barough is also a leading advocate for walking as a tool for health and wellbeing and the author of two books published by Dorling Kindersley.
The Origins of Walk the Walk
In 1996, Barough was running her own styling and production company when she had the idea of power walking a marathon in a decorated bra to raise money for breast cancer. She led 13 women through the New York City Marathon, raising £25,000. Just two months later, she found a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy, breast reconstruction, radiotherapy, and hormone treatment. With her surgeon's blessing, she delayed surgery to complete the London Marathon in 1997. This was the first step towards the creation of the iconic MoonWalk London overnight fundraising event, which continues to this day.
A Proud Moment
Nina Barough CBE commented: "I am deeply honoured and incredibly proud to receive The Freedom of the City of London. This award acknowledges the founding of Walk the Walk and the commitment the charity has made towards changing so many lives. We have achieved this by advancing research, helping to make integrated care more freely available, and promoting the importance of good health and wellbeing as a form of prevention against breast and other cancers."
She added: "Whilst this recognition is in my name, it reflects the wonderful passion, generosity, and commitment of the many thousands of people who have Walked the Walk and whose lives we have touched. From each and every walker and volunteer to our supporters, partners, and beneficiaries, and not least of all the tireless dedication of the Walk the Walk Team, our ethos and purpose have repeatedly shown the mountains that can be climbed and the challenges conquered when people come together."
30 Years of Impact
Barough reflected on the journey: "What began as a dream 30 years ago has grown into something far greater than I ever imagined. Learning about the history behind the Freedom and suddenly becoming part of that heritage, joining the remarkable individuals who have gone before me, made the occasion even more special. What a day to treasure. I will certainly look forward to the new experience of driving my sheep across London Bridge later in the year!"
Alastair Currie, chair of Trustees at Walk the Walk, said: "On behalf of the Trustees, I am absolutely delighted that Nina has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London. This honour is richly deserved and recognises not only her extraordinary vision and determination, but also the profound impact she has had on the lives of countless people affected by cancer."
Currie continued: "What began as a single fundraising idea has, under Nina's leadership, grown into a charity that has raised more than £148 million, supported groundbreaking research and inspired hundreds of thousands of people to walk, fundraise and take positive steps towards better health. Everyone at Walk the Walk is immensely proud to see Nina's achievements recognised in this way. This honour is a fitting tribute to her unwavering commitment over the past 30 years and to the remarkable community she has inspired."
A Historic Honour
The Freedom of the City of London dates back to the 13th century and is awarded to individuals in recognition of their outstanding contribution to London and public life. Today, it celebrates those who have made a lasting and positive impact on society. The ceremony was attended by close friends and supporters, marking a significant milestone in Barough's life and in the legacy of the charity she built from the ground up.
Barough joins a distinguished group of recent recipients including Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes and TV presenter Gloria Hunniford, individuals celebrated not only for their achievements but for their wider contribution to society and public life.
