The survival of a colleague who survived breast cancer inspired a fund-raising march by staff from a Wrexham store.
The Pink Parade from Marks and Spencer at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre was waved off by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham, Cllr Ian Roberts and his wife Hilary.
More than a dozen members of staff, all dressed in shocking pink, were joined by 11-month-old baby, Annabelle Middleton-Reece, and Fudge the Bassett hound for the 13-mile hike to their sister store in Chester.
Their effort meant a great deal to workmate Lyn Lamb who works in the cafe at the Eagles Meadow store.
Lyn, who has now recovered from breast cancer, wasn’t able to join them on the hike but she wished her colleagues well for their challenge.
She said: “I am thrilled M&S at Eagles Meadow continues to support breast cancer awareness with lots of fundraising activities.
“My colleagues are marvellous and are always 100 per cent behind any fund-raising schemes.
“It is vital, if we are to beat this horrible disease, that we raise as much money to support research as possible.”
Store manager, and Fudge‘s owner, Katie Jones said: “October is Breast cancer Awareness month and as a store we have a target of raising £3,000 for the campaign against the disease.
“So far we have managed to collect more than £1,500 so are more than halfway there.
“I am thrilled so many members of staff agreed to tackle the challenge and, although we have a few refreshment stops planned along the way, it will be tough going.”
Coffee Barista Jane Jarvis was joined by her soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Catherine Middleton-Reece and granddaughter, 11-month-old Anabelle, in her pushchair.
Jane said: “I’m quite looking forward to the walk even though it’s a long way. It’s important to raise funds for the breast cancer campaign and as a store we want to do all we can.
M&S Food Hall section manager James Norrie, resplendent in an all-in-one pink romper suit, was happy to take part in the walk and had no choice but to wear his pink outfit.
“I was presented with the outfit on Friday and told I had to wear it! What could I say? At the end of the day we are raising funds for a great cause and I had no problem whatsoever joining in.”
Having set off from Eagles Meadow at 10am the intrepid walkers finally reached the Chester store just after 3.30pm.
Katie Jones added: “It’s been amazing and people along the way have been so generous. One guy was handing us five pound notes, to add to our bucket collection, out of the window of his van.
“Fudge really enjoyed it too and I wouldn’t mind betting he’ll sleep for a week after all that exercise!”
