Reese Witherspoon returns to the spotlight following car accident

Reese Witherspoon made her first official appearance since she was hit by a car while out jogging last month (Sep11) to take part in a breast cancer charity walk in New York on Sunday (16Oct11).

The Legally Blonde star has kept a fairly low profile since she was hospitalised following the accident in Santa Monica, California - but she returned to the spotlight in style at the weekend.

Witherspoon, an honorary chairwoman of the Avon Foundation for Women, still had visible bruises on her forehead from her car encounter as she spoke at the Global Breast Cancer Congress.

During her speech, the blonde beauty announced the Avon Global Breast Cancer Clinical Scholars Program, which will fund training for international specialists.

Witherspoon told the audience, "Just as you are all here to gain new knowledge about improved methods to fight breast cancer around the world, the Avon Global Breast Cancer Clinical Scholars will have a once in a lifetime global opportunity to share scientific knowledge about treating breast cancer.

"The scholars will learn from the very best doctors in the United States and will return home with advanced skills and new information that will improve both the treatment and care of women facing breast cancer in their countries."

Following her speech, Witherspoon donned her sports shoes to join thousands of women completing the two-day 39.3-mile (63.2 kilometer) Avon Walk, which raised more than $8.4 million for the charity over the weekend.

After the marathon, the blonde beauty told participants, "I'm absolutely amazed at what you all just did... All of you came here this weekend to make sure there are more survivors in our world, and the money you raised and the awareness you spread will help save lives."