JUDITH WALKS THE WALK FOR ACTION CANCER
Action Cancer’s exciting new Marbella walking challenge is officially underway and you can join in too. With local ambassador Judith Boyle and her family leading the way, this unforgettable experience combines breath-taking views, camaraderie, and a powerful cause.
Action Cancer, Northern Ireland’s leading, local cancer charity, is excited to announce a new walking challenge set in the sun-soaked destination of Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain. From 1st to 6th October 2025.
Participants will have the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable adventure, choosing to walk 10km, 20km, or 30km per day along Marbella’s breathtaking coastal paths, scenic countryside trails and picturesque mountain routes.
With stunning views and vibrant atmosphere, participants will be walking with a purpose, raising vital funds to support Action Cancer’s life-saving services that reach over 20,000 people across Northern Ireland annually, providing essential prevention, detection and support services.
Judith Boyle and her family know firsthand how vital these services are. In April 2024, Judith, a 54-year-old yoga enthusiast, was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine screening through the Northern Ireland Breast Screening Programme at Downe Hospital. Throughout her treatment, Judith accessed a range of therapeutic services provided by Action Cancer, including acupuncture to ease lingering side effects and one-to-one yoga sessions that helped her regain her confidence and return to her regular classes.
Judith’s two daughters, Maria (25) and Madeleine (22), have now signed up to take part in the Marbella Walking Festival as a way to give back to the charity that supported their mother during a difficult time.
Judith said: “We’re so grateful for the support I received from Action Cancer. From the one-to-one yoga therapy sessions with Geraldine that helped me reconnect with my practice, to the acupuncture treatments with Mary that eased lingering side effects, every moment of care made a difference. The Marbella Walking Festival gives my daughters a chance to say thank you and to help ensure that more people like me can access the same life-changing support services.”
Kelsey O’Donnell, Treks & Activities Executive at Action Cancer, added: “We’re absolutely thrilled to launch this exciting new walking challenge in the stunning surroundings of Marbella. It’s a fantastic opportunity for participants to explore beautiful landscapes, build lasting friendships with fellow adventurers, and stay active, all while making a real difference for local people affected by cancer.
“Everyone who signs up will receive dedicated one-to-one support, a personalised fundraising plan, and branded resources to help them reach their goals. Whether you’re an experienced walker, want to honour a loved one, or are simply looking for a meaningful challenge, we would love to hear from you.”
Registration for this unique experience is £100, with each participant committing to raise a minimum of £1,600 in sponsorship. This fundraising target includes four-star accommodation, return flights, transfers, half-board meals, and a pass to the walking festival.
Funds raised will go directly towards Action Cancer’s essential services, which include breast screening for women aged 40-49 or 70+, (specifically for those who have no breast cancer symptoms and fall outside of the NHS screening service age range) as well as a skin cancer detection service for men and women aged 18 and above. In addition, therapeutic support such as counselling, complementary therapy, acupuncture and scar therapy is available to anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Marbella Walking Festival Details:
- Dates: 1st – 6th October 2025
- Registration Fee: £100
- Minimum Sponsorship: £1,600
- Accommodation: Sol Marbella Estepona · Atalaya Park (4* hotel)
- Walking Distances: Choose between 10km, 20km, or 30km per day
- Half Board: Breakfast and evening meal included
- Festival Pass and Return Flights Included
Action Cancer is calling on individuals to be part of this unforgettable journey, to push their limits, soak in the beauty of Marbella and play a vital role in funding services that provide life-saving cancer prevention, detection, and support to thousands across Northern Ireland.
Join Judith’s daughters and many other participants in taking on this challenge while making a real impact on local lives. For more information or to sign up, contact Kelsey O’Donnell, Treks & Activities Executive at Action Cancer via email kodonnell@actioncancer.org or call 028 9080 3352.
