THEIR friendship extends the decades.

But their bond was strengthened in the battle against breast cancer - a disease affecting 50,000 women every year in the UK.

According to Cancer Research UK, a cancer research and awareness charity, in 2013 there were 53,696 new cases of invasive breast cancer in the UK.

Eager to raise awareness, and much needed funds, the aptly named Beldwick Ladies - a combination of their living locations in Baildon and Eldwick - laced up their walking boots to walk around the route of the famous London Marathon last weekend.

Walking through the night, breast cancer survivors Annette Mann and her pal Sue Willerton, accompanied by their other friend Sandra Hall and Annette's daughters Sally and Holly, joined tens of thousands of other fundraisers for the MoonWalk organised by the health charity Walk the Walk worldwide to raise money towards research into this devastating disease.

Launched 20 years ago, Walk the Walk began with 13 women power walking the New York City marathon in their bras to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

For survivors Annette and Sue it was the opportunity to raise awareness and give something back for the support they both received during their own personal battle.

It is 22 years since Sue was diagnosed with the disease. The 70-year-old was 49 at the time when she found a lump.

Investigations confirmed Sue's fears. She discovered her cancer was Grade 3, an aggressive form, but after undergoing a lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy, Sue counts herself lucky to be one of the survivors.

"I was lucky really," says Sue.

Having personal experience through her own battle with the disease, Sue was able to support her pal, Annette, who she met more than 30 years ago at the local golf club, through her own ordeal.

Annette faced the reality of breast cancer last February following a regular mammogram. When asked to attend a hospital appointment Annette was convinced everything would be fine, she was fit and active, there was no reason, no symptoms even to suspect she may have the disease.

"When they told me it was cancer and it was Grade 3 it sort of went in and out but when I got in the car I just burst into tears," says Annette.

The following months were gruelling as she underwent chemo and radiotherapy treatment. "When I look back I didn't realise how poorly I had been.

"And losing your hair, as any woman will tell you, is probably the worst thing but everybody is so kind and my hair has come back."

Annette cannot emphasize enough the importance of attending mammogram appointments. "Do not miss your mammogram and do not think it will not happen to me. If I had missed it it would have been a lot bigger," says Annette.

Throughout her experience, Annette had the support of her family, her daughters, Sally and Holly, her husband David and her friends, Sandra and Sue.

No strangers to putting their best foot forward for charity, Sue, who keeps herself active golfing and gardening, and Annette previously walked the Leeds to Liverpool canal and Sandra has completed the gruelling Three Peaks challenge twice and she also undertook the Oxfam Trailtrekker.

Says Sandra: "When Annette told me she had breast cancer I have to admit I couldn't quite take it in, I felt numb but when I started to think straight I knew that I had to do something. I mentioned I was going to register for the moon walk and she said she would do it too, then her daughters wanted to do it, then Sue who is also a very good friend and a survivor of breast cancer and the rest is history.

The walk was a lot harder than thought, but the most amazing and emotional experience ever and to see Annette complete it less than 12 months of having chemo brought a tear to my eye, so very proud to have been part of it.

"Knowing I have been part of shaping the course of breast cancer so that everybody can have the chance of surviving breast cancer makes me proud."

Annette adds: "It was a wonderful experience and it was very moving because you knew everybody there has been affected by it directly or indirectly, and it's also to raise awareness of breast cancer."

The 64-year-old, from Eldwick, says having breast cancer has made her put her life into perspective.

"I just think every day is so precious. I am not one of those who has a bucket list but you just treasure you family, you love your family and your grandchildren so much you have a very special feeling for them and for life and for friends," says Annette.

To help boost funds and raise awareness for their walk, which they completed in nine and a half hours, the women raised more than £200 from a coffee morning at Eldwick Memorial Hall. Their latest challenge is now pushing their total towards £2,000.

Says Annette: "I just want to thank all the people who did sponsor us because it is so just amazing. We do it but they give us the money and they are just as important."

To support the women visit moonwalklondon2016.everydayhero.com/UK/beldwickladies