A pink army of ladies – plus their pooches –took a stand against breast cancer at Ickworth House, near Bury St Edmunds, today.

Suffolk Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s Walk on the Westside was also the perfect opportunity for friends to catch up during the informal stroll around the stunning parkland.

In total 103 people took part in the event, raising more than £3,000 towards research into breast cancer.

Walkers wore as much pink as they could – from wigs and ribbons to tutus and fairy wings – to help raise awareness of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity and its important work.

Event organiser Penny White said: “It was just a really special, lovely day. A mixture of people came together: some are actually fighting cancer at the moment, some of us are supporters and friends and family and the others are people who enjoy a good giggle and a walk.”

Participants had the choice of a four or 11-mile stroll, or they could just relax in the garden, followed by a buffet lunch in the conservatory at the Ickworth Hotel.

Mrs White added: “People I think enjoyed it because they have that time, walking 11 miles with a friend, to have a real chat.”

As well as being a fun day, there is a serious note behind the event.

Mrs White said 12,000 UK women die from breast cancer every year.

Breakthrough Breast Cancer is committed to fighting the disease through research and awareness and has established the UK’s first dedicated breast cancer research centre.

The Walk on the Westside was particularly poignant for Mrs White this year as she said two of her close university friends had been diagnosed with breast cancer since October.

“It really brings it close to you,” she said.

Speaking of current research, she said: “It’s a fantastic way hopefully of beating it and giving us all an option on what sort of treatment we may like.”

Sue George scooped the prize for ‘best dressed’, with the worst and best-behaved dogs also getting recognition.

There was also a raffle, which alone raised more than £500, with prizes including a weekend stay in five-star holiday accommodation in Norfolk, donated by Helen Bridges.

Mrs White said a special thank-you must go to Denny Bros Ltd, a business based in Bury St Edmunds, which sponsors the event.

For more information, including how to support the Suffolk Breakthrough Breast Cancer group, visit www.suffolkbreak throughevents.co.uk