International Women’s Day: Female fundraisers in their own words

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global event celebrated annually on March 8th as a focal point in the women’s rights movement.  

This year the theme is #EmbraceEquity. Today we celebrate women’s achievements and take action to drive gender parity. When we embrace equity, we embrace diversity, and we embrace inclusion. Being included and having a sense of belonging feels right. 

Around 56,000 women a year in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer. Yet at least 30% of these cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes. That means an estimated 17,000 cases of breast cancer could be prevented, saving millions of lives, avoiding unnecessary suffering, and reducing the cost to the NHS by over £1.5 billion a year.  

It is raising awareness of these preventable factors which drive us. We believe our work can have a significant impact in helping women reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. 

IWD provides an important opportunity to fundraise for female-focused charities, help raise their visibility, and amplify awareness. 

We spoke with some of Breast Cancer UK’s female trailblazers of 2022 who took part in amazing fundraisers for us. Please keep reading to hear their fundraising stories. 

Anja Scot 

Anja Scot, from Herefordshire, completed the London to Paris cycle challenge in March 2022 and raised £1,670.35 for breast cancer prevention, “I chose to support Breast Cancer UK because it is the most common cancer in women, so I wanted to help bring awareness.” 

To anyone thinking of supporting Breast Cancer UK, Anja said: “Do it!… It was indescribable, just pure joy I guess, everything I had worked for went to others but I myself got to meet incredible and interesting people who all were doing this challenge for others.” 

A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 mins. Our work to prevent breast cancer is needed now more than ever, and your support can make a difference. Are you looking for fundraising inspiration? See the different and inspiring ways women like you have raised money to support us. Download our fundraising pack today. 

Nichola Burt 

Nichola Burt, from Essex, ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon in June 2022 in memory of her friend Jemma. Nicola raised £1,007.50 for us. She said: “Breast

 cancer affects so many people… {its} so common and so devastating; it destroys families, and it’s relentless.  

“… I wanted to raise money for BCUK because my friend passed away in May from breast cancer.” 

Nicola went on to say that her friend, Jemma, was the most inspirational woman she knew: “She fought a hard battle she knew she was going to lose, knowing she was leaving her two very young children behind. No idea how she did it, but I find her very inspiring.” 

Upon completing her challenge, she explained: “It gave me focus and something to keep me motivated on the difficult days.” 

Molly Jefferies 

Another fundraiser we would like to mention is Molly Jefferies, from Avon, who braved the shave in support of her aunt Del in August 2022, raising £3,435. Molly said: “I shaved my hair to support my Auntie Del. I didn’t want her to feel alone and to prove hair is just how you look. Nothing more, nothing else. Raising money also allowed me to have the knowledge that fewer people will have to go through this.” 

We asked Molly, ‘What would you say to someone thinking about supporting Breast Cancer UK?’ she replied: “Everyone at Breast Cancer UK has been so supportive, so I would highly recommend supporting this amazing charity. The website explains exactly where the money raised will go.” 

She added: “International women’s day to me means celebration and giving thanks for all the accomplishments of the women before us. But also to raise awareness of the current problems women and non-binary people have to go through. So that more people can help take action.” 

What can I do to support Breast Cancer UK? 

If you want to act, support breast cancer prevention and raise funds for vital research while being a female inspiration, why not take on or create your own fundraising challenge? Our dedicated fundraising team can help you every step of the way!  

Today and every day, we celebrate all women. But this International Women’s Day, why not raise money and make a change by empowering those around you to donate to breast cancer prevention? We couldn’t do our work without your crucial support.  

Take action and get involved today. 

• awareness
• BCUK
• Breast cancer
• breast cancer prevention
• Breast Cancer UK
• cancer
• Challenge
• charities
• Cycling
• Fundraise
• Go bald
• head shave
• prevention
• reduce your risk
• Shave