A COUPLE of ‘cheeky monkeys’ are off on safari this weekend to raise money for a breast cancer charity.

Irene McIntosh and her husband Graham say they’re ‘over-the-moon’ to be taking part in this year’s MoonWalk Scotland event in Edinburgh.

The fun-loving couple from Inverkip, who have adopted the nickname ‘Edin-bra’s Monkeys’, have fully embraced the event’s safari theme.

They will set off on their overnight 26.2-mile trek tonight.
Irene, 59, who has been taking part in the MoonWalk Scotland event for 10 years, said: “I think everyone knows somebody who has been affected by cancer.

“But when it’s someone really close to you, it’s even more poignant.

“When you’re walking, you can see stories on people’s backs about why they’re doing it, so it’s really emotional.

“You even meet people who are going through treatment.”

Five years ago, Irene’s husband Graham, 62, joined her on the walk after her she received the devastating news that her sister Helen had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Irene said: “It was such a shock when Helen was diagnosed as there is no history of it in the family.

“She had chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“It was a bit traumatic as she also had a heart attack a couple of years later.

“But she’s done so well and has made a full recovery.”
Graham feels it’s equally as important for men to take part in the walk.

He said: “I lost a male colleague to breast cancer.

“So it’s important for ladies and men to get involved and raise money and awareness.”

The power walking pair, who live in Swift Avenue and have three grown-up daughters, have helped to raise nearly £10,000 over the last 10 years.

They have enjoyed throwing themselves into the fun side of the MoonWalk, previously dressing up as The Krankies and Batman and Robin.

This year the event, which is organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, sets off from Holyrood Park in Edinburgh on Saturday night.

Irene and Graham have set up an online sponsorship page which can be found at https://moonwalkscotland2017.everydayhero.com/uk/Monkeys