Nearly 200 women 'lit up' Taunton in first of its kind event

They gathered for the town’s first-ever "Let's Lift the Curfew" run—a campaign calling for safer streets for women during the darker months of the year.

The event, which included a 5k and 10k route, took place on Friday, October 25, and was organised by cancer survivor and now well-known campaigner and running influencer Jenny Palmer.

Ms Palmer, who has become a familiar figure at running events for completing them topless to raise breast cancer awareness, said: "I started this with a belief that women deserve to feel safe, and seeing nearly 200 ladies come together to stand for that belief was something I will never forget.

"We lit up Taunton. We raised our voices. And we will keep lifting the curfew."

The "Let's Lift the Curfew" campaign began in 2023 and aims to challenge the idea that women should have to change their routines, stop exercising, or feel unsafe simply because the clocks go back and nights grow longer.

Ms Palmer said the turnout was a clear message that women should not be forced to alter their lives out of fear.

She said: "The message is simple: women should not have to change their routines, give up their exercise or feel unsafe just because the clocks change and the nights get darker.

"We deserve to feel safe when we run, walk, exercise and enjoy our everyday lives, whatever the time of year.

"Why should we have to change our lives because of fear?"

The emotional event, which saw participants don pink clothing and cheer each other on, has inspired calls for more women-only runs in the future.

Ms Palmer said: "Everyone wants me to plan more events like this that’s girls only.

"Everyone loved it. The feedback is phenomenal. All the women were commenting on how empowering this was.

"It was an incredible evening—one which I’d like to do year on year."

Among the crowd were women from Ilminster, Weston-super-Mare, and even as far as Weymouth.

Ms Palmer also extended heartfelt thanks to those who helped bring the event to life.

She said: "A huge thank you to Becky, who has been right by my side, helping me behind the scenes and supporting me throughout this whole journey.

"I genuinely couldn’t have done it without you.

"You are amazing, and I am so grateful to have you beside me."

She also thanked Steve Valentine, who photographed the event, as well as Louise Monk, Rachel King, and Harriet House for their support.

Ms Palmer’s running journey is about more than just miles; it’s about turning personal pain into public purpose.

A breast cancer survivor, she is known for running topless with a phoenix tattoo covering her scars—a symbol of hope, resilience, and self-acceptance.

She said: "My scars and my phoenix tell my story.

"My running carries hope to those still writing theirs.

"Every time I run as the phoenix, I want to give hope to those going through this tough journey and raise awareness about getting checked."

The tattoo, created by Mark Clark of Mark Skin, helped Ms Palmer reclaim her body and confidence after cancer.

She said: "It wasn’t to hide my scars but to show where I fell and rose back up."

Ms Palmer has completed a string of events this year, including a 50k ultra marathon, the Taunton half marathon, and the Burnham half marathon.

She also recently completed a firewalk among 14 other people to show how she "rose from the ashes" after her cancer treatment and to raise further funds for Love Musgrove and Yeovil Hospital Charity. 

She said: "To walk over the hot coals in my wings felt like my chapter from my breast cancer journey has made me stronger, to try new things and step out my comfort zone.

"It literally felt as I’ve finally rose up from the ashes.

"I just feel so honoured and proud, when I’m the Phoenix it just gets people talking and that’s all I ever want the more we talk the more we can help each other."

She has raised around £2000 so far for Love Musgrove and more than £170 for Cancer Research UK since March.

Ms Palmer said she believes her efforts are helping to change public perceptions about breast cancer.

She said: "I have had an incredible response.

"I think the change is finally happening, and people are actually getting it now."