Event manager steps up to help with 'pink walk'

A new face is to join the Tauranga Breast Cancer Walk as it heads into its 10th anniversary this year.

Event manager Allison Stewart will join Iris Thomas in organising the event, which she has done since 2002.

The "pink walk" attracts thousands of people dressed in pink each year to walk around the city centre en masse. It will take place on October 24 this year.

Donations were taken from each person taking part but the aim of the walk was not financial, Ms Thomas said.

"The fundraising for this event is not the reason it's held. It's to raise awareness of breast cancer so women will seek early detection, and to celebrate life."

Ms Thomas said the walk was also a way breast cancer sufferers could "let loose" and be with other women in a fun and positive atmosphere. "Life is to be lived. Life is to be enjoyed. "Even if you do have breast cancer, just get as much out of life as you can," Ms Thomas said.

Ms Stewart said people did not always know how to help when they found out someone had breast cancer, but the walk was a way people could show they cared. She said people could register early for the event at Smiths Sport Shoes or any ASB Bank in Tauranga from October 1.

Entry is a $5 donation. Traditionally, the walk raises $15,000 for Tauranga Breast Cancer Support Service.