Girls Aloud breast cancer pioneer runs to save more lives
THE first woman screened by the breast cancer project inspired by late Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding is running the London Marathon to raise funds.
The singer, 39, died from the disease in 2021 with her last wish being for new ways to spot it early when it’s more treatable – and the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal was born.
She also inspired the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women (BCAN-RAY) project – and Catherine CravenHowe, of Runcorn in Cheshire, was the first to take part.
Now the Liverpool University medical student will join 50,000 runners on April 21 for the London Marathon. Catherine, 34, said: “I found out about
BCAN-RAY when I received a letter from my GP that asked if I would like to participate.
“Though thankfully I don’t have breast cancer, as a medical student I know how important clinical trials and research are.”
She may now move into oncology. The pioneering BCAN-RAY scheme is one of the first of its kind in the world that aims to identify young women who are at risk of developing breast cancer in their 30s. Those deemed high risk would be given access to early screening. Funded by The Christie Charity in Manchester and Cancer Research UK, BCAN-RAY was established in memory of Sarah, who grew up in nearby Stockport.
It is backed by her family and Girls Aloud bandmates.
Sarah had said: “Research is incredibly important in the fight against cancer.
“Though this research may not be in time to help me, this project is incredibly close to my heart as it may help women like me in the future.”
●●To help Catherine’s fundraising, go to https://2024tcslondon marathon.enthuse.com/pf/catherine-craven-howe. To support The Christie Charity, visit christie.nhs.uk.