Despatches from a mother who started late (and is running to catch up)

Giant step for womankind

Anyone who saw me seven months ago, when pelvic pain in pregnancy made it a struggle to reach the end of the street, might be surprised - and pleased too, I hope - to hear I've signed up for this year's Moon Walk - a fund-raiser for Walk the Walk, a charity which supports women affected by breast cancer and funds research into this dreaded illness. It's amazing the difference a few months and some decent physiotherapy can make. The walk will take me, together with my fellow walker and great friend Vanessa from Fidra Books, much further than the end of the street. Together with around 12,000 other people, we'll be walking 13 miles through the darkened streets of Edinburgh on the night of 20th/21st June. A close friend of mine is fighting breast cancer and my mother has recently lost a friend to it. Nearer the time, I'll be asking you if you can spare a few quid in sponsorship for this fantastic cause.

We have begun our training. But no point in overdoing things. Vanessa, who writes here about her motivation for doing the walk, and I are building up slowly to the full 13 miles. This is humbling. Five years ago, I could walk 20 miles in a day without undue effort. Last week we managed our first two practice walks - of three miles. It was knackering. My legs hurt. My pelvis hurt. Worst of all, my pride hurt. This week, we might - might - tackle four miles.

But what a difference compared to being pregnant with Button. One Saturday in summer last year, ten days overdue, I made it as far as the fabric department of a local store. Quite an achievement in those days. All around us, women were trying out pink feathers, sequins and ribbons, giggling and holding them up to their chests to see what they looked like. "What's going on?" I asked the assistant. "It's the Moon Walk tonight," she explained. "It's to decorate their bras for the Moon Walk. To raise money for breast cancer." That was my introduction to the event. I'm thrilled - and only just a little bit daunted - that this year, all being well, I'll be out walking the walk too.

Coming up soon: reviews of My Bump and Me, by Myleene Klass, and Instructions Not Included; One Mum, Three Boys and a Very Steep Learning Curve, by Charlotte Moerman. 

Posted 23 February 2009 12:54

Button Edinburgh Friends Out and about Pelvic girdle pain/SPD

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