From inspiring hundreds of thousands of people to take on walking challenges in support of people affected by cancer to driving sheep across the Thames.

Nina Barough CBE, founder of cancer charity Walk the Walk, last weekend exercised her ancient right to drive a flock of sheep across the River Thames in London.

Nina joined around 1,500 Freemen of the City of London last Sunday for the annual sheep drive across Southwark Bridge.

The unique event came after Nina was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her contribution to public health and cancer support.

The Freedom of the City of London is one of the City's oldest surviving traditions, dating back to the 13th century.

Originally linked to the rights and privileges of Freemen, it is now awarded to people who have made an outstanding contribution to London and public life.

Around half a million people have now taken on Walk the Walk challenges, including the charity’s flagship overnight fundraising event, The MoonWalk London, raising almost £150 million since 1996.

Nina was joined at the sheep drive by fellow Freeman Gloria Hunniford OBE, the broadcaster and long-standing cancer campaigner, including as patron of Northern Ireland charity Action Cancer, who has also recently been admitted to the Freedom of the City.

For the two women, the historic ceremony offered a remarkable moment of shared recognition for decades of work supporting people affected by cancer.

In 2021, Walk the Walk was the principal funder of Action Cancer's new Big Bus, a mobile breast screening service providing screening for women across Northern Ireland.

The service is particularly important for women aged 40–49 and 70 and over, who fall outside the routine NHS breast screening age range of 50–70. Walk the Walk is currently campaigning to lower the minimum age for routine breast screening.

Nina said: “It has been such a very special honour to receive the Freedom of the City of London and not least of all to complete the ceremony by driving sheep across Southwark Bridge.

“It was an extraordinary experience but wonderful to share the day with many others including friends, family and Walk the Walk supporters - flying the charity's flag at such a high-profile event and being a small part of something so traditional and historic.

“Thirty years ago, when I founded Walk the Walk, and had just been treated for breast cancer I could never have envisaged the impact that Walk the Walk would have on the research, diagnosis, and care of breast cancer for women and men.

“For me personally this experience was the icing on the cake; there is certainly life after breast cancer!"

Nina stood down as chief executive of Walk the Walk at the end of 2025 and remains a founder. She was succeeded as chief executive by David Wright.

Entries are now open for The MoonWalk London 2027 at www.walkthewalk.org. It is on Saturday, 15 May from 8pm - Sunday 16 May, 1pm, and starts and finishes at Clapham Common.