Celebrity SunWalk launches Celebrity Eclipse - 22/10/2009

Walk the Walk, the leading UK-based grant making breast cancer charity, has partnered with Celebrity Cruises to launch the first ever Celebrity SunWalk, taking place in Southampton on 24 April 2010. The infamous Power Walking challenge will make its Southampton premiere in celebration of the launch of the latest ship from Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Eclipse, which will be named in the city on the same day.

On 24 April Southampton’s streets will be drumming to the footsteps of thousands of women, men and children all Power Walking a 5km or 10km course around the city, with all the adults - including men - wearing spectacularly decorated bras. It’s the first time that the charity has organised a SunWalk for the region, following the success of similar events in Bristol and Newcastle and The MoonWalks in London and Edinburgh. The event is sponsored by Celebrity Cruises, who recently made Walk the Walk founder Nina Barough Godmother of Celebrity Equinox, which launched in Southampton in July this year.

Just by entering this Celebrity SunWalk extravaganza you could win two nights on this magnificent ship along with other fantastic prizes. The walk will start in Mayflower Park, and the Celebrity Eclipse, the brand new ship from Celebrity Cruises, will form a magnificent backdrop for the finish line, prior to the afternoon naming ceremony. It is the first ship from Celebrity Cruises to be based from the port and will be dedicated to the UK market until November 2010.

Nina Barough CBE, the Founder and Chief Executive of the charity comments:
“Walk the Walk is excited to be launching this inaugural Southampton event, The Celebrity SunWalk, sponsored by Celebrity Cruises. Walk the Walk is not just about walking, it’s about life, and we want to raise as much money as possible in 2010 to help really make a difference to the lives of so many. So, even if you have never taken part in anything like this before, take this opportunity to sign up to the challenge and you could help to really make a difference. You can raise money and awareness for vital breast cancer causes, get fit, and have fun all at the same time!”

Speaking of the Celebrity SunWalk sponsorship, Dan Hanrahan, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises explains:
“Celebrity Cruises has enjoyed a partnership with Walk the Walk since the launch of Celebrity Equinox in July. Extending this relationship into next year as part of the launch celebrations for our next ship, Celebrity Eclipse, which will enter service in April 2010, is an extremely exciting development. In having the dedicated Southampton Celebrity SunWalk sponsored by Celebrity Cruises we are encouraging thousands of people from the city and the region to get involved with the launch of Celebrity Eclipse and to take part in a truly inspirational fundraising event, that will also ensure they are part of the party welcoming our newest ship to the fleet and her new home in Southampton.”

Southampton’s residents, along with visitors to the city, are invited to unite with Walk the Walk to raise funds for vital breast cancer causes. And remember, it’s not just adults who can sign up for the challenge; The Celebrity SunWalk sponsored by Celebrity Cruises is a real family day for all ages.

Entries are open online now click here and lots more will be revealed in the coming weeks.

It is hoped that the event in 2010 will raise in excess of £250,000 for breast cancer causes that will benefit people across the UK, and help towards improving the quality of life and treatments for cancer patients in the city; to date the charity has raised in excess of £52 million. Apart from raising money, Walk the Walk is also passionate about encouraging women and men to become fitter and healthier and take control of their own wellbeing.

In 2010 there will be five Walk the Walk Power Walking challenges around the UK:

24th April 2010 – The Celebrity SunWalk, sponsored by Celebrity Cruises
15th May 2010 – The Playtex MoonWalk London
19th June 2010 – The MoonWalk Edinburgh
4th July 2010 – The SunWalk Bristol
18th July 2010 – The SunWalk Newcastle