The Avon Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer began in 2005 bringing grassroots activism to a global scale. This worldwide series of events encouraged hundreds of thousands of people across the globe to raise money and awareness. To date, nearly 1.2 million people have participated, raising more than $122 million.
The need for continued awareness and funding for the breast cancer cause is great. While advances have been made, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, breast cancer is responsible for 502,000 deaths per year worldwide.
"Breast Cancer does not discriminate between nations or ethnicities, but both the understanding and support of the issue of breast cancer varies greatly country to country,"states Executive Director of the Avon Foundation Carol Kurzig."By mobilising people worldwide we are helping break barriers to awareness and access to care as we work to eradicate the disease."
From Crazy Hats to shower caps
In March 2008 Avon in the UK held it's first ever walk for breast cancer as part of the global Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer programme, in partnership with local Northamptonshire charity Crazy Hats Breast Cancer Appeal.
Through the generosity of walkers, entry fees, sponsorship and event day activities over £70,000 was raised!
Despite torrential rain 2,000 walkers braved the weather to take part in Crazy Hats sixth annual sponsored walk for breast cancer.
Crazy Hats are a fairly young charity, but are already doing amazing work to improve resources for women in Northamptonshire.
Funds raised from the walk have paid for a new MRI scanner for the Breast Screening Department at Kettering General Hospital. This new equipment will be able to support younger women diagnosed with breast cancer when the breast tissue is much denser, as well as older women.
Glennis Hooper, Founder and Executive Fundraiser at Crazy Hats, commented: "Considering the atrocious weather on the day, we were delighted with the turnout - the atmosphere was lively and full of enthusiasm and determination. Our charity is indebted to Avon for supporting the event - their warm hospitality tent proving to be extremely popular; we are very proud to have been named as the UK leg of their Global Walk Around the World programme."
The Avon Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer began in 2005 bringing grassroots activism to a global scale. This worldwide series of events encouraged hundreds of thousands of people across the globe to raise money and awareness. To date, nearly 1.2 million people have participated, raising more than $122 million. 
In March 2008 Avon in the UK held it's first ever walk for breast cancer as part of the global Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer programme, in partnership with local Northamptonshire charity Crazy Hats Breast Cancer Appeal. 
