Our remarkable alumna Katharine Dickens (Geography, 2001) represented several sports during her time at St Anne’s and captained the Oxford Women’s Cricket Team to victory in their Varsity match at Lord’s.
In 2024, Katharine was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer — but, undaunted, she is set to take part in the Tour de Four cycling event in Glasgow on 7th September, in support of Breast Cancer Now. The event has been organised by Sir Chris Hoy, who also has Stage 4 cancer.
Katharine says:
“In 2024 I was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer with tumours in my breast, spine and pelvis. It was a profound shock which has changed every aspect of my life and had a deep impact on my whole family. Five years ago the aggressive kind of cancer I have was a death sentence.
I’m really lucky to have benefitted from new targeted therapies in combination with chemo and I’m happy to say I’m in remission.
It’s easy to get caught up in fear of what the future holds so I was inspired by Chris Hoy wanting to change the perception of Stage 4 cancer. I’m determined to live and enjoy the time I have, no matter how long it is.
Exercise is a big part of my recovery and helps to prevent recurrence so I’m taking this challenge on to help inspire me to move despite the fatigue which comes with the drugs I’m on.
It’s going to be a challenge, I’ve picked the longest, hilliest course!
There are so many good charities out there but I chose Breast Cancer Now because of the number of times it has been such a good source of information and reassurance over the last year! They do amazing work supporting people like me and funding vital research.”
To support Katharine and Breast Cancer Now, please visit Katharine’s Go Fund Me page here.