Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Abseiling for my best friend

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re raising awareness of our incredible fundraisers who are helping us support patients and researchers looking into fighting the disease.

One of those fundraisers is Louise Kirk, who took on the Big QMC Abseil in September in honour of her best friend, who sadly lost her life in July after a seven-year battle with breast cancer.

Speaking fondly of her friend, Louise said: “She never gave up hope and fought like a warrior every step of the way. For seven years she battled the illness and had surgery, 39 doses of chemo over seven cycles, and 20 sessions of radiotherapy. She tried to live her life to the full whilst undergoing treatment and experienced many nights out sipping cocktails. She tried to not let the disease get her down.”

Louise joined other abseilers at the top of QMC ready to take on the 100 foot drop. She decided to raise money for Professor Stephen Chan’s research to improve treatment for breast cancer patients across Nottingham and beyond.

“When I was feeling scared to jump over the edge of the abseil wall, I imagined my friend being next to me encouraging me to do so. It helped me conquer my fears and take on the drop.”

Professor Chan’s research is looking into improving treatment for breast cancer patients to try to minimise side effects, and allow doctors to better tailor treatment towards a patient, improving their quality of life.

You can donate to Professor Chan's research via Louise's JustGiving page.

You can also read more about our funding into breast cancer research across Nottingham Hospitals below.