What makes someone choose a career in the charitable sector and how do they choose the charity? Cucumber is lucky enough to have worked with Nikki and her team at Prevent Breast Cancer, and in or out of the charitable sector they are consistently some of the most motivated, well organised and cheery people we have met. We think what they do is amazing and we are proud to be able to support them. You can find out more about them here. Starting from tomorrow, we will be running a giveaway on Instagram with PBC, with lots of links and information available. Hope you find the time to have a scroll through our feed, in the meanwhile, enjoy some time with Nikki below.
What is Prevent Breast Cancer?
The UK’s only charity dedicated entirely to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer. We’re a national charity, based in Manchester, which is home to many of the world’s leading scientists in preventative research. We fund ground-breaking studies into genes, early detection & improved screening, preventative drugs and diet & lifestyle, our goal is to prevent breast cancer for our future generations.
How did you first get involved in PBC?
By complete chance! When I graduated from university I was unwell and unable to work for a little while. As I recovered I began working for an incredible woman who ran a charity in one of the most deprived areas in the country. Although I was there for less than a year it gave me hands on experience in the charity sector and it made me re-think my career options. Not long afterwards I applied for a job at PBC (then called Genesis). I soon realised this was the sector for me and as I developed so did the charity and so did my career. My career story is quite unusual as I’ve worked at every level within PBC.
And why?
The facts say it all – breast cancer is the UK’s most common cancer, 55,000 people in the UK are diagnosed each year and the incidence rate is increasing. It is also the biggest cause of death for women aged 35-49.
We all know someone who has been affected and that’s what drives me and why I’m so dedicated to the cause.
What next for PBC?
In the next 12 months, we should raise over £1 million, which is a real achievement for a charity our size. If we achieve this goal, we’ll be able to fund more research projects. Over the next six months we will be: -
The first ever Charity of the Year for Prudential RideLondon 46, which is a huge cycling event taking place on 4th August. This is a brilliant opportunity for PBC as not only will it raise vital funds but awareness at a national level
In October we will organise our first ever “BreastFest” campaign, which aims to:
We already have leading businesses involved and we will be working with them to deliver health promotion talks and several large events. The idea is that the campaign will be a blueprint for other cities and regions in the UK.
In November I’ll be heading to Nepal and climbing to Everest Base Camp, with 32 other trekkers, all raising funds for PBC. It’s going to be a very challenging, but life-changing experience. I never thought the most expensive shoes I would own, would be hiking boots!
What is your signature style piece?
A great pair of ankle boots – I’m embarrassed to say how many pairs I own! I’m also quite partial to a jumpsuit.
Who is your inspiration?
The late actress, Morag Siller. Mo was a great friend and a patron of PBC, she tragically died from breast cancer in 2016 aged just 46. She gave me a bracelet that I never take off and when I’m having a tough day, it reminds me why I work so hard and why I’m so driven.
What is the best piece of advice you were given?
Can I have two pieces of advice? I don’t always remember to follow them, but…
Celebrate your successes, regardless of how big or small
Don’t be so hard on yourself!
If your 20-year-old self could see you now, what would she think?
Who are you? You just stood up and spoke to a room full of people! I used to be terrified of public speaking, but now I really enjoy it. I never thought I would host events with 500-1000 guests, it’s a real adrenaline rush and I still get shaky knees but it’s good fun.
What do you love most working for PBC?
I meet and work with the most inspiring people including our volunteers, fundraisers, companies and the scientists paving the way in cancer prevention. The driving factor being that they’ve all been touched by breast cancer in some way and are equally as passionate about the prevention of this devastating disease.
I also love the fact that no two days are the same! I don’t think you get the same job diversity in many other sectors. I can be arranging national media opportunities, writing reports, researching an awareness project and attending an awards ceremony one day, then the next I could be participating in a cycling challenge and even serving drinks to patients in our coffee shop, which is run by our volunteers. It keeps my feet firmly on the ground and, if it doesn’t, the fact that my office is in the storeroom brings me back down to earth!
Thank you Nikki and everyone at PBC, and look out for our newest vlog winging its way to you in the next few weeks with the publisher of Pavilion Books who is also a great support of PBC.
xEileen x Nancy
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