BREAST cancer survivors were joined by celebrities in turning the grounds of Blenheim Palace into a sea of pink for charity.

More than 1,000 people – each with their own reasons for taking part in the event – turned up to join in The Pink Ribbonwalk to raise money for Breast Cancer Care.

People could choose either a 10- or 20-mile route around the Woodstock palace’s grounds.

Among the walkers was Jenny Steele, from Thame. She decided to tackle 20 miles.

She said: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, when I was 26. It was a massive shock, especially as I was so young and had no history in the family.

“I had chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a lumpectomy. One of the toughest moments was when my hair started to fall out.

“I had long red curly hair, it was my thing and I adored it. As the strands started to fall away, I can honestly say my heart broke.”

She added of the walk: “It was such a fantastic day. Blenheim was just beautiful and it was so amazing to watch the sea of pink walking around the route.”

According to recent statistics, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

Yvonne Charlton, from Witney, 49, raised £600.

She said: “I was diagnosed in 2007, just before my second honeymoon to Tuscany with my husband Mike.

“It was awful. Instead of going on the romantic hot-air balloon ride we had planned, we just stayed at home and cried.

“After treatment, luckily, I was given the all-clear and Mike and I have since been on our dream honeymoon.

“After everything I had been through, I just wanted to give something back.”

Debbie Sewell and her friend Tanya Walker travelled from Devon and Essex to take part in the walk.

Ms Sewell said: “I did it last year with my friend Louise. And just a few weeks later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer herself.”

Also taking part were TV personality Denise Van Outen, athlete Denise Lewis and Strictly Come Dancing star Penny Lancaster Stewart.

Ms Van Outen said: “Walking with all these amazing women, who each has a story to tell and experiences of breast cancer to share, was such an honour and privilege.

“I lost my beloved gran to breast cancer, so I know how important the services, support and information that Breast Cancer Care offers are.”

Ms Lancaster Stewart added: “This is the third time I have taken part in a Pink Ribbonwalk and every year it just gets better and better.

“Like so many people, we as a group have all been affected by breast cancer in some way, so taking part today was especially poignant for us.”