Bouncing Back to keep abreast of vital fashion; In association with the NHS Later this year thousands of women and their families are set to take to the streets of Newcastle in support of those who are battling cancer. Health reporter JANE PICKEN has the details.

Byline: JANE PICKEN

WHEN mum-of-three Lesley Shaw was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago, the experience ultimately changed her life.

Despite undergoing a gruelling treatment schedule, which included a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, under the expert care of doctors and nurses at Gateshead's Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Newcastle General Hospital, she decided to help other women who had battled the same illness.

The 46-year-old mum, from Whickham, Gateshead, had found it difficult to buy lingerie after having part of her breast removed.

And so Lesley, who has sons Nathan, 16, and Jonathan, 14, as well as 11-year-old daughter Megan, opened Bouncing Back, a store on Hopper Street, Gateshead town centre, to give women who have had breast cancer an extra boost with specially designed underwear and clothing.

In September the lingerie expert will join thousands of women all donning brightly decorated bras and power walking through the streets of Newcastle to raise money and awareness for breast cancer as part of the city's SunWalk.

"The walk is a great idea and there are different lengths depending on how much people want to do," said Lesley, who is also taking part in the charity MoonWalk in June through the streets of Edinburgh.

"When you've been through treatment you really want to give something back and this is a good way to raise money for breast cancer.

"It's also ideal for women who have just finished treatment and might still be feeling tired, as they can do a shorter route.

"It's also something which can be done and really involve all the family at the same time."

Lesley is now focused on helping women look their best and boosting their confidence following surgery, and her store has become more than just a place to get some essential retail therapy.

"Going to buy bras after my mastectomy was difficult," said Lesley.

"You would hear a lot of whispers and the people in the shops just didn't know what to do.

"The only other option was to get mail order bras, which are not ideal as you're never sure if the fit will be right as there is no consultation.

"So, I thought I would set up my own shop to help women in my situation.

"Initially the range available was limited but over the years our network of suppliers has grown and we now offer beautiful, pretty lingerie and a range of casual wear as well as other products such as skin care products, suntan lotions and aluminium free deodorants.

"When women come in I like to sit them down and have a natter before we go for a fitting and a lot of women really appreciate the chat."

Decorated bras have become a trademark of charity Walk the Walk, and the organisation holds powerwalking events across the country, with the last one in Bristol attracting around 2,500 people and raising pounds 250,000.

The Newcastle event will take place on September 7 and women taking part are encouraged to decorate a bra for the event.

"We're absolutely delighted to have Lesley supporting our charity," said Nina Barough, chief executive and founder of Walk the Walk.

"Her story is truly inspirational - not only has she come through breast cancer herself, she is now also dedicated to helping others in a similar situation.

"I know from personal experience how difficult it can be to get back to normal after breast cancer, and the advice, support and practical solutions offered by women such as Lesley really make a difference.

"The SunWalk Newcastle will help the thousands of women, men and children affected by family and friends who have breast cancer."

People of any age and fitness level can sign up to take part in the SunWalk as it offers something for everyone - a 5km, 10km or half-marathon power walk.

Celebrities including Hollywood actresses Cameron Diaz and Nicole Kidman have been known to use power walking to keep their figures in shape, as it can burn up to 300 calories every hour.

"Power walking is one of the few activities that really does work on almost every part of your body from your posture to your muscle tone," added Nina.

"It works wonders on defining the shape your legs, lifting your bum and flattening your stomach by strengthening your core muscles, and you can expect to start seeing an improvement to your body profile after just two weeks of walking a minimum of three times a week.

"At Walk the Walk, we're passionate about raising funds for vital breast cancer causes and we're also committed to encouraging men and women to become fitter and healthier by taking part in our challenges."

The charity is also looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, like Lesley, to carry out essential tasks at The SunWalk Newcastle such as giving out water, driving one of their support vehicles, giving out medals or being a marshal on the route.

"Her story is truly inspirational - not only has she come through breast cancer herself, she is now also dedicated to helping others in a similar situation

To take part in the SunWalk

ABOUT WALK THE WALK

FOUNDER Nina Barough set up and now runs Walk the Walk worldwide.

Walk the Walk organises the Playtex MoonWalk in London on May 17, The MoonWalk in Edinburgh on June 14, and The SunWalks in Bristol on July 6 and in Newcastle on September 7, as well as coordinating teams of women all over the world to power-walk marathons while wearing their bras.

To date, the charity has raised in excess of pounds 36m for breast cancer causes. Prince Charles is their official patron.

TIPS FOR POWER WALKING

POWER walking basically involves walking with a normal stride but at a faster pace.

When walking, a power walker pushes off each stride from the toes with a straight back leg for extra strength and stability, and this is where the power comes from.

The arm movement is also vital to a power walker's speed and drive.

Both elbows should be kept at a 90 degree angle, with the arms punching back and forth in a pistonlike action.

Other tips include:

Shorten rather than lengthen the stride to increase speed.

The front foot should always have a good heel strike and then roll on to the ball of the foot.

Keep the stride narrow so you're almost walking in a straight line, putting one foot directly in front of the other.

Hold your arms at a right angle and move them backwards and forwards from the shoulders, so that your upper body gets a workout too.

Keep your hands lightly cupped, not clenched, and at waist height.

Focus your eyes straight ahead about five to six metres away.

Good posture is essential, so try not to lean forward and try keeping your shoulders down and relaxed.

About the power walk

THERE are minimum age restrictions for The SunWalks:

Half-marathon route: minimum age of 13 years for participation.

10k: Minimum age of six years.

5k: No age restriction.

Applicants are asked to raise a minimum of pounds 100.

Applicants below the age of 13 are asked to raise what they can.

Everyone who takes part is given information on how to start power walking, get fit, and raise money and awareness of breast cancer, as well as advice on decorating their bra.

The fee for adults in pounds 26 and for children it's pounds 18. All participants receive:

Bra

Cap

T-shirt

Space blanket

A weather protector Children under the age of 13 do not receive a bra, but will receive a T-shirt with a 2008 winning design.

Newcastle visit www.walkthewalk.org and enter online or pick up an entry form at Bouncing Back.

Those keen to volunteer should ring Walk the Walk on 01483 741 430 and ask for Sally or Jenn, or e-mail: volunteers@ walkthewalk.org

For more information about Bouncing Back, contact Lesley on [phone] or e-mail: [e-mail]

CAPTION(S):

BRAVING ALL - breast cancer victims and fundraisers all dressed up for the Sun Walk; SUPER DESIGNS - Lesley Shaw from Bouncing Back with some of her range of lingerie and swimwear