Thousands of people are joining forces to fight skin disease in a series of sponsored walks across the UK in May, and the best news is that one of the walks is taking place in Scotland, at Edinburgh’s magnificent Holyrood Park.

Due to the outstanding success of the first ever Walk for Skin earlier this year, the event will take place again from May 13th to 20th, 2007.

The event, proudly supported by Sanex, promises to be even more impressive in 2007, with 17 charities uniting in a bid to raise awareness and money for vital research and support for skin disease sufferers.

Nina Goad of the British Skin Foundation, one of the charities taking part in the event, said: “The Walk for Skin is unique in that such a great number of charities are working together for a large-scale fundraiser for skin disease, rather than each charity holding separate, smaller events.

“People like being able to help many charities in one go, especially when it involves little effort and lots of fun.

“The charities represent a vast range of disorders, including eczema, skin cancer, acne, birthmarks, psoriasis, vitiligo and many more.

“These diseases affect young and old, men and women and all ethnic groups alike, which is just one reason why we feel the Walk for Skin has been so popular.

“The walks themselves are approximately three miles long, suitable for all ages and held at scenic, accessible locations all across the UK, which also definitely adds to the appeal.”

3,000 people, including comedian Ricky Tomlinson, TV legend Jimmy Saville and other famous faces, took part in the last Walk for Skin, which raised a staggering £160,000.

This money will fund three major grants for skin disease research projects, as well as helping to finance support groups, help lines, patient information services and much more.
Dr. Claire Benton, Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, explains: "Every day, dermatologists like myself see patients whose lives are deeply affected both physically and psychologically by a variety of skin diseases. This is why we must continue to look for novel treatments and more effective ways of helping our patients. The money raised for the BSF will help to fund a number of skin disease research projects so crucial to improving the lives of the millions of people who suffer from these disorders.”

Julie Baker, Marketing Director for Sanex, says, “This is a fantastic opportunity for Sanex and we are proud to support the Walk for Skin. Sanex understands skin and how it works and that’s why our products are designed to actively work with your skin to help keep it healthy. This partnership links well with our overall aim to promote the importance of healthy skin as part of a balanced lifestyle.”

Joining the Walk for Skin couldn’t be easier – simply choose a venue and register free of charge, either online at www.walkforskin.org.uk or by phone on 0207 391 6341, from February 8th 2007. Once registered, entrants will receive a sponsor form, walkers’ pack and information about their chosen venue.

Sunday May 13th

Beamish, the North of England Open Air Museum, near Newcastle

Wollaton Deer Park, Nottingham

Bramham Park, near Leeds

Greenwich Park, London

University of East Anglia, Norwich

Belfast Castle, Belfast

Sunday May 20th

Beaulieu Motor Museum, near Southampton

Cosmeston Lakes County Park, near Cardiff

Hollyrood Park, Edinburgh

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

Tatton Park, near Manchester

Windsor Great Park, Thames Valley

Dates / venue to be confirmed:

West Midlands

Join the Walk for Skin and together we can ease the suffering of the eight million people whose lives are blighted by skin disease.