Colleague’s 200k challenge for breast cancer support

A Reading professor is putting in the miles this May as she runs 200k across the month to support women dealing with a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Professor Nazanin Derakhshan (Psychology) is fundraising for the Building Resilience in Breast Cancer Centre (BRiC), helping more women access its pioneering work in breast cancer emotional resilience.

Through the fundraiser, Nazanin aims to raise £3,000 to fund travel grants for BRiC members across the UK to attend events in person. Averaging 7k a day, she has almost reached her goal distance, and hopes to complete the challenge this week.

She said: “Cancer can be very isolating and through my research I've seen first-hand what a difference it makes for women to be able to make connections with others, strengthening their resilience and emotional support networks.

“Being able to provide the funds for a train ticket will mean no women in need should have to miss out on the support she deserves.”

“A lifesaver”

Nazanin was herself diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, not long after becoming a Professor and with a young daughter at home. Through this experience, she became acutely aware of the psychological toll breast cancer can take and the lack of support for rebuilding lives after treatment ends.

This drove her to establish the award-winning BRiC Centre, which is now based here at Reading. BRiC explores evidence-based ways to empower breast cancer survivors with resilience to thrive. Its network of over 2200 members provides a vital community through weekly online support sessions and in person meetups.

As one member shared: "BRiC's meetups were a lifesaver when I felt completely alone and lost after breast cancer. The friendships I've made through this community are invaluable."

Visit the fundraising page to donate and learn more about Nazanin’s work and running journey.