The public will take to the streets later this week to raise funds — and awareness — of the fight against breast cancer.

The BF&M Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, a fundraiser to benefit the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, will be held tomorrow with today the final day to sign up to participate.

Past events have included an organised walk through Pembroke and Hamilton, but this year participants can walk anywhere at any time, by themselves or in a “social bubble” as a Covid-19 precaution.

It is hoped the event will raise $200,000 to support the centre’s equal access fund, which ensures access to mammograms, ultrasounds and breast biopsies to detect cancer early when it is most treatable.

The funds will also support the charity’s “Know Your Lemons” education programme which helps women identify the 12 signs of breast cancer.

A BCHC spokeswoman said last the charity was encouraged by the number of people who have already signed up to take part, with 1,149 people on the list last night.

She said: “Although they say they will miss the festive feel of Barr’s Bay Park, they are excited to walk anytime, anywhere and with anyone in their bubble.

“In an average year there are usually more than 1,700 registered participants, plus the hundreds that join as part of the BF&M School Spirit programme.

“Back in early summer we had no way to predict what the event would look like come October, we just had to ‘believe in pink’.”

The spokeswoman said the charity had to slash its budget to offset the loss in revenue caused by the shelter in place period earlier this year and the continued need for social distancing.

But she added that BF&M did not hesitate to step up to help to deploy its marketing resources, storing walk packs and hosting the walk pack collection events.

She added: “The anticipation of seeing the hot pink #iBelieveinPINK shirts island wide and throughout the month is heart-warming and we hope touches those that need a little support and hope.”

Participants can sign up online at www.racedayworld.com for $30 and collect their race pack at BF&M by a drive-through between 5.30pm and 6.30pm today.

Those who take part in tomorrow’s (WED) walk are asked to wear the pink Breast Cancer Awareness shirt and post their experiences on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #ibelieveinpink2020.

BF&M will also host a virtual celebration of the day on the company’s Facebook page at 5.30pm.