More than 1,500 participants took to the streets in a walk to help raise funds for breast cancer treatment.

The BF&M Breast Cancer Awareness Walk started at Barr’s Bay Park, on Wednesday, which was buzzing with activity.

Lynne Woolridge, chief executive for the organising charity, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, took to the stage to remind the crowd of the purpose of the event, which takes place during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

She said: “We are here today to raise awareness and to raise funds. There are people who may put off getting an exam because they can’t afford it and then, if an abnormality is found, they put off getting radiation therapy treatment because they can’t afford that.

“The funds raised tonight and all this month go towards subsidising the cost of those services at BCHC.

“Another reason we are here is to lift up one another. This month can be a difficult reminder of personal experience of breast cancer or a reminder of people who we have lost to the disease. We are here tonight to honour all those experiences.”

Kristin Burt, patron of BCHC, was unavailable to attend so Governor Rena Lalgie took her place. She was joined on the stage by Abigail Clifford, the president and chief executive of BF&M, the event sponsor.

Ms Lalgie said: “It is great to see so many people turn out in solidarity for such a worthy cause. Like so many of us, we know someone or perhaps we have even lost someone to breast cancer.

“While the research and advancement have been really promising, global statistics remain very alarming and so too do the local statistics.

“I am here for those in our community that have already been diagnosed, I am here to walk with you all and for you all. I am also here for those who will be diagnosed … and I am also here to help raise awareness.”

One participant, Linda Bean, has numerous family members who have been affected by breast cancer.

She said: “My mom died very young from breast cancer, my sister who is two years underneath me is suffering from it now, my grandmother and my aunt, and my uncle has lung cancer.

“We all have to help each other so this is why we come together for the cause. I come most years. It can affect anyone. I have hope that there will be a cure one day.”

Ros DeSilva was with Team Gibbons Company which organises a walking team regularly at the event. She was there with ten of her colleagues dressed up in pink accessories representing breast cancer awareness.

She said: “There are about 24 of us today we have been doing it for a while. This is our biggest group so far. It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as a lingerie buyer we offer fittings but also we do checks and exams — the staff are all trained.

“It is important. We all have family members and people we know and care about so we want to support the cause.”

Vera Sandy was there with her husband and friend, and while she could not walk because of an injured back, she wanted to support the cause. She said: “I used to walk before I injured my back. I love this event. I think it is important to come and support it.”

Ms Clifford said that BF&M supports the cause because cancer impacts so many in the community.

She said: “I applaud all the initiatives that take place during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to help the mission of preventing, detecting and treating cancer.

Azuree Williams, of BCHC, said in a promotional video for the event that breast cancer remains the No 1 diagnosed cancer in women in Bermuda.

She said: “We focus on risk factors, the 12 symptoms of breast cancer, the tools of early detection such as self exam, doctor’s exam, mammograms, ultrasounds and breast biopsies. This ensures that everyone is better informed on symptoms screening and risk.”

Money raised at the walk goes towards the Equal Access Fund, which aims to ensure everyone is able to get treatment regardless of one’s health insurance or ability to pay.

There are many ways to get involved this month aside from the walk. Members of the public can sign up for a free Know Your Lemons presentation, host a breast health fundraiser of their choice or participate in BCHC’s annual raffle.

• For more information about Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, visit its website at www.cancer.bm or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bdacancerhealth