by Alan Quick

A COUPLE who live near Crediton who were taking part in a charity walk had something extra to celebrate after they completed the 10-mile challenge.

Stuart Brealy (56) got down on one knee after the pair had crossed the finish line of the Pink Ribbonwalk in aid of Breast Cancer and proposed to his partner, Petrina Truman (45).

The couple, from Zeal Monachorum, became the first to celebrate a marriage proposal at a Pink Ribbonwalk.

Miss Trueman said: "I turned around and he was on the ground, I couldn’t believe it. The only thing that made me think was in the last 100 metres when he said how romantic and beautiful the area was."

She said the day was "bitter sweet" because the event also marked one year since her secondary breast cancer diagnosis.

She said: "I walked this event last year just after I had been diagnosed and I was breathless and sore, but my treatment has been going really well. He couldn’t have picked a better occasion. It was perfect."

Mr Brealy, who met his fiance 10 years ago through work, said: "I had already spoken to Petrina’s father a few weeks before and it was bubbling to the surface, I had to keep it secret."

Hundreds of people took part in the Breast Cancer Care event held at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

The proposal was set amid the beautiful backdrop of the palace and a walkway fluttering with shimmering pink ribbons, which people could write messages to their loves ones on and tie to the string.

The pink-clad cancer survivors strolled through the palace grounds in the sunshine and have raised thousands of pounds for the charity which has supported their battle.

The UK-wide charity, which gives care, information and advice to people affected by breast cancer, welcomed walkers at the finish line with massages, a champagne party and even a marriage proposal.

Organisers aimed to raise £170,000 through the event, which moves across the country over the next two months at five other venues, offering five, 10 or 20-mile walk options.

Petrina said that the charity “is really close to our hearts”.

She said breast cancer was a disease that touches so many people’s lives.

She added: “We want to be able to support Breast Cancer Care because they’ve supported us so much.

“Stu and I are thrilled that the generosity of friends, family and some of the regulars at the Mitre pub in Crediton, has enabled us to raise more than £1,000.”

People who still wish to boost the couple’s fundraising efforts can call in at The Mitre and see Becca Brealy,  or donate directly via JustGiving at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Stuart-Brealy .