Breast cancer fund to benefit from London to Brighton ride

Led by Southampton doctor Katrina Cathie, a breast cancer survivor, the friends have all either been personally affected by breast cancer or have close friends or family members impacted by the disease. 

Many of them have not ridden more than a few miles before, but they're all set to take to their saddles for 55 miles of undulating terrain between the two cities this Sunday in aid of the Breast Cancer Research Fund, which is managed by Southampton Hospitals Charity.

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At the start of last year, Katrina was diagnosed with breast cancer, aged just 41 – a diagnosis one in seven women will face in their lifetime.

She told the Daily Echo: "My treatment and care at University Hospital Southampton was second to none, all possible because of the first-class research on which treatments give the best outcomes.

"However, there is still so much to research about breast cancer, which is why I am dedicating 2023 to fundraising for breast cancer research, to improve outcomes for our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters and their families."

During Katrina’s treatment her friends rallied around her and her family, offering childcare, cooked meals and emotional support. Seeing this community in action, Katrina had the idea to share the love with a number of fundraising events, including the cycle challenge.

She added: "A cancer diagnosis is devastating, and my journey through 2022 was not without its challenges, pain and tears. But, I have so much to be grateful for, not least the expertise and kindness of those, from my own work family, who have cared for me so wonderfully.

"Our family and friends have been an amazing support and we could not have got through this last year without them. I am blown away that so many of my friends want to join me and contribute to the fundraising efforts for such an important cause."

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