Throughout 2022 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the team at Hunter Imaging Gateshead walked together in their HBCF hats, to raise funds and awareness for local breast cancer patients.
The Hunter Imaging Gateshead Team, also known as “The Busty Movers”, throughout the month of October, regularly refer their patients to Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation to be provided with support that makes a difference throughout their journey.
The 100km walk Challenge runs for the entire month of October, in 2021 the team had 43 participants, in 2022 a wonderful 87 participants jumped on board.
You might ask what is a “BustyMover”?
The Hunter Imaging Team defines a BustyMover to be:
– A legend
– Supporter of breast cancer awareness month
– Commits to walking or running 100km in October
Knowing how important exercise is to maintain good physical and mental health so the team came up with the challenge to each move 100km for the month of October. With COVID having a big impact physically, mentally, financially and socially they thought what better way to reconnect as a group, inspire and restart/kickstart some healthy habits all whilst raising awareness and funds in support of Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation.
Equating to 3.2km a day over a 31-day period is a perfect 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Each participant paid a $20 registration fee which gave them a HBCF hat to wear during their walks. The challenge was easily accessible and trackable in the Busty Movers Facebook group and by using STRAVA to record kilometres. There were daily challenges and incentives along the way. Some challenges getting the heart rates up, whilst others included pictures of participants whereabouts, dogs and wearing pink. The team mapped out boobs on Strava, posted their cups, looked at their lemons and participated in the hat project, raising awareness for male breast cancer also.
The challenge created a real sense of community within the team and motivated members and helped keep them accountable.
Hunter Imaging also generously donated weekly cash prizes. Every member who completed the 100km at the end of October was put into the Grand prize draw.
The Hunter Imaging team had great feedback from participants about the positive impact the challenge made on both their work and personal lives. Participants talked about how the challenge lifted their spirits being a part of the group, enhanced their motivation, encouraged them to increase their physical activity, lose weight and gain strength, improved their mental and overall sense of well-being.
On top of the challenge being a success, so was the teams fundraising efforts! Collectively the BustyMovers raised $5,000 and Hunter Imaging donated $3,000 so a total of $8,000 to HBCF. “The support from these ladies is incredible, their enthusiasm is inspiring, and this challenge incorporates so many amazing things all in one. We can’t thank the BustyMovers team enough and look forward to watching this wonderful initiative continue to grow each year.” Says HBCF General Manager, Abbey McDonell.
In 2023 the BustyMovers will be back bigger and better again, with the challenge open and encouraged for participation not only by Hunter Imaging staff but their friends and family and anyone from the community wanting to join. So, keep an eye out for promotion and information on how to register through HBCF’s Facebook and website.
