HUNDREDS of pink-clad cancer survivors strolled in the sunshine through palace grounds to raise cash for a charity which supported their battle.

About 700 people affected by breast cancer – including those in recovery, those still being treated, and those whose loved ones have suffered the disease – walked around Blenheim Palace in Woodstock yesterday for Breast Cancer Care’s Pink Ribbonwalk.

The UK-wide charity, which gives care, information and advice to people affected by breast cancer, welcomed walkers at the finish line with massages, a champagne party and even a marriage proposal.

Banbury resident Tracy Heaton-Biggs, who endured four weeks of treatment at the Churchill Hospital after she was diagnosed, opted to walk the 10-mile route from a choice of five, 10 or 20.

The 45-year-old said: “It was lovely. It was nice to see more of the countryside. The length doesn’t feel like a lot because you’re nattering away to each other and finding other people to talk to along the way. They started each set of five, 10 and 20 mile walkers at different times so that we could finish together which was nice – everybody was just chatting.

“I remember first being diagnosed and I would only look online at Breast Cancer Care and Macmillan – you’re not supposed to Google it. If a doctor used a big medical term I would get home and look it up on Breast Cancer Care to see what it actually meant.”

She walked the route, which looped through Blenheim’s sprawling grounds and into the surrounding countryside, in two and a half hours and raised £500 through sponsorship.

Alison Beauchamp, who lives in Marston in Oxford, walked 10 miles in memory of her sister Kate Chivers who died from breast cancer at the age of 43.

The 38-year-old said: “It’s been beautiful. My sister died eight years ago and I try to do something for charity each year. Breast cancer affects something like one in three people – it’s huge. As you get older you realise you know more people with diagnoses.

“Kate had cancer for about five years and had been in remission, but the last time they couldn’t do anything and gave her a year to live. Then she went into respite. It was a massive loss.

“The walk was about helping others, prolonging life so the family has a longer time with them and making it easier.

“It has been an amazing day. I came straight over to get champagne when I finished – Kate would have appreciated that.”

She walked with best friend Marie Cuddon, 28, who lives in East Hagbourne, and the pair raised about £400 between them.

Lovebirds Petrina Trueman, 45, and Stuart Brealy, 56, had an extra something to say 'cheers' to when they finished their 10 miles.

The Devon couple became the first to celebrate a marriage proposal at a Pink Ribbonwalk, after Mr Brealy got down on one knee as they passed the final marker.

Miss Trueman said: "I turned around and he was on the ground, I couldn't believe it. The only thing that made me think was in the last 100 metres when he said how romantic and beautiful the area was."

She said the day was "bitter sweet" because the event also marked one year since her secondary breast cancer diagnosis.

She said: "I walked this event last year just after I had been diagnosed and I was breathless and sore, but my treatment has been going really well. He couldn't have picked a better occasion. It was perfect."

Mr Brealy, who met his fiance ten years ago through work, said: "I had already spoken to Petrina's father a few weeks before and it was bubbling to the surface, I had to keep it secret."

The proposal was set amid the beautiful backdrop of the palace and a walkway fluttering with shimmering pink ribbons, which people could write messages to their loves ones on and tie to the string.

Oxford Mail:

Claire Pulford, head of events at Breast Cancer Care, said: “This year approximately 500 people living in Oxfordshire will receive the devastating news that they have breast cancer. With the help of all the wonderful walkers that took part we can continue to offer vital care, support and information to anyone affected by breast cancer.

“It’s been our 12th Pink Ribbonwalk at Blenheim and it’s great to catch up with so many familiar faces and welcome the new walkers who joined us today.  We are so grateful to everyone that took part. It really was an incredible day.”

Organisers aimed to raise £170,000 through the event, which moves across the country over the next two months at five other venues.