A SEA of pink will be created when about 1,000 walkers gather to raise funds for Breast Cancer Care.

People are being urged to join this year’s Pink Ribbonwalk on May 9 to raise funds for services which help people cope with the disease.

The event at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is now in its 11th year and this time a five-mile route option is available alongside the usual 10 and 20-mile routes.

Veteran walker Margaret King, 66, who lives in Hailey, near Witney, is looking forward to her 10th Pink Ribbonwalk.

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Over the years she has raised an estimated £4,000, only missing one walk in 2013 due to a knee injury.

She will be joined by close friend Val Pole, 61.

Mrs King said: “It’s good fun. I do as much training as I can. The first two or three miles go by in a blink because you’re so busy chatting.”

She has lost two aunts and friend Tony Waddington, a founding member of the Witney Lions Club, to the disease.

Mr Waddington was one of just 300 men a year to be diagnosed and died in 2011.

Mrs King added: “Breast Cancer Care helps people not just through research but by looking after people who have got the disease.

“It’s very important to be supportive.

Many people have said it was very helpful to have that in their darkest hours – it can be very lonely.”

Husband James King, 76, cycles regularly and is helping Mrs King train for the event.

He will be waiting for her at the finish line on the day.

A newcomer to this year’s events is Wendy Wastie, 47, from Witney.

Oxford Mail:

Wendy Wastie will be taking part in her first Pink Ribbonwalk. Picture: Ed Nix.

She took part in the 26-mile charity Moonwalk in London last year but said she hopes the Pink Ribbonwalk, which she is walking with son Edward, 21, will prove less taxing.

Ms Wastie said: “I was told it was a great atmosphere and a fun walk.

“I think it’s important to do what I can to raise money for research.

She added: “There’s a certain amount the government gives but researchers need the extra funds.”

Ms Wastie’s mother, who lives in Abingdon and asked not to be identified, was diagnosed with breast cancer 30 years ago.

Ms Wastie said: “I was about 18 at the time. It’s quite shocking. You never expect it to happen to someone close to you.

“We all rallied round to support her as best we could.”

Ms Wastie described her mother as “a fighter”, adding that she will celebrate her 80th birthday later this year.

Registration costs £30 and £15 for under-18s, which will include entry into the venue grounds.

Participants need to raise £100 in sponsorship and will receive an event pack with details, a Pink Ribbonwalk T-shirt, a pink ribbon to write a personal message on, medal and post-walk hot meal.