In pictures: Doing the Moonwalk

1 of 12 Thousands completed a fund-raising 26 mile night-time walk through London at the weekend. Here Alison Freeman recounts the arduous task step by step.

2 of 12 After months of training, the reality of the mammoth task ahead dawns as we see thousands of walkers at the start line in Hyde Park, central London.

3 of 12 Spirits are high as women, and men, get ready to walk the marathon route around the streets of London throughout the night.

4 of 12 Decorated bras are the signature of the Playtex Moonwalk which aims to raise awareness, as well as money, for breast cancer care and research.

5 of 12 The first few miles fly by as we pass many London landmarks, including the Mall, Westminster, Tower Bridge, Battersea Power Station and Tate Modern.

6 of 12 The sun came up as we crossed Albert Bridge - a key moment. At the 15 mile mark we were becoming extremely sore, but knew we were more than half way there.

7 of 12 By Battersea Park, the miles seemed to get longer and longer but the smiles and encouragement of the volunteers handing out water helped us to battle our aches and pains.

8 of 12 Walking around London at night and dawn allowed us to see the city in all its glory.

9 of 12 The sheer numbers of determined participants made the whole experience moving - and leg-numbing.

10 of 12 Crossing back over the Thames at Tower Bridge, we knew we were on the home straight. If it had not been for the cause, I'm not sure if we'd have kept going.

11 of 12 Six letters have never meant so much....

12 of 12 Eight hours and 50 minutes, 15 chocolate and cereal bars, 20 bottles of water and numerous plasters later, we finally reached the end.