AFTER lending her voice to a host of Hollywood movies, singer Helen Purefoy is now preparing to lend her lungs – and legs – to the Pink Ribbonwalk.

Mrs Purefoy, 45, from Oxford, is one of hundreds of women expected to turn out for this year’s Pink Ribbonwalk, which raises money for the charity Breast Cancer Care and takes place on Saturday, May 11, at Blenheim Palace.

A classically-trained soprano and singing teacher at Magdalen School, Oxford, Mrs Purefoy’s voice features on the soundtrack for movies including Pirates of the Caribbean, The Chronicles of Narnia, Shrek and The Life of Pi.

Now she and a group of fellow singers are preparing to flex their muscles, not their vocal chords, by taking on the 20-mile route of the Pink Ribbonwalk, which winds itself through Blenheim’s grounds and its surrounding villages.

Mrs Purefoy said: “I saw the Ribbonwalk advertised in a walking magazine and enrolled on December 31, 2012. I suppose it was a new year’s resolution.

“Then I set about getting a band of fellow singers and friends to join me.

“I am training with my friend Sarah Norman (a mum-of-three) and Lucy Ballard (another soprano and teacher at Oxford High), and we hope to have anything up to seven others joining us, many of whom sing for a living, like me. We are calling ourselves For Whom the Belles Stroll and we hope to raise as much as we possibly can for Breast Cancer Care.”

Breast Cancer Care provides free information, support and services to anyone affected by breast cancer.

A diverse range of women take part in the Ribbonwalk, including some who have battled cancer and others who are still undergoing treatment.

Everyone chooses either a 10-mile or 20-mile course.

This is Mrs Purefoy’s first Ribbonwalk, and she said she has been inspired by two close friends who have fought cancer.

She explained: “One friend has recovered, and another beat breast cancer, but sadly died when cancer returned.

“Myself and my friends who will be walking are fit and well and we want to do something for a great charity. While I love singing, the Ribbonwalk will bring a new sense of achievement for me.”

Mrs Purefoy will be supported on the day by her husband William, 45, and children Maddie, 16, and Dominic, 12.

You can sponsor her at justgiving.com/Helen-Parker18 Model and Breast Cancer Care supporter Penny Lancaster-Stewart, who is taking part again this year, said: “I have walked the Pink Ribbonwalk three times and have loved every one. It’s a brilliant way to get together with your friends or family and make a difference to the lives of people affected by breast cancer.”

 

HOW TO REGISTER

  •  Registration for the Pink Ribbonwalk is open now and costs £30, with participants required to raise a minimum of £175 sponsorship.
     
  • The event is followed by a village fete style celebration including a medal, free barbeque, massage and entertainment.
  • Register to take part at pinkribbonwalk.org.uk or call 0870 145 0101.