Challenger Wall and Research Centre Tour



Mike Lang, Eugene Martin, Iaine Selway, Lisa Jones and Christine Piper at the ICR



Members and supporters of Somerset's Breakthrough Group joined group founder Christine Piper on a visit to the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Labs at the Institute of Cancer Research in London to see how money raised helps work towards a future free from the fear of breast cancer. 

They were invited by Breakthrough to see their names on the 5th Challenger's Wall, where the charity lists names of supporters and inspirational loved ones, as a way of saying thank you for making a real difference. 

Before viewing their names on the wall of the building's fifth floor, the group received a presentation on the work of Breakthrough's scientists, followed by a tour of the labs where they were shown the processes and initiatives involved in finding a cure for this devastating condition.

Group member Eugene commented afterwards "Apart from being an inspirational insight into the work they do, the main aspect I took away was just how ground breaking and innovative their research methods are. The way their collaborations and partnerships are being copied worldwide, reducing the time and money needed to produce real results". 

Supporter Lisa Jones added "It was wonderful to be invited along. It was quite intense and brought back alot of memories of the medications and treatments that my sister Julie had taken, so very emotional for me.  It was really good to see what the money we help raise goes towards and all the work the scientists do. They have such dedication and determination towards finding a cure which is great to see. One day hopefully we will have a future free from cancer, a disease that affects so many lives". 

Photographer Mike Lang agreed "It was a very intersting visit, and a great honour to have my name on the Challenger's Wall. My mother has been a breast cancer sufferer, so this visit also had a personal meaning for me. The centre is an amazing place, and I think the presentation was designed perfectly for us to understand. Working conditions seem motivational and they are definately on the case!"

Many more Somerset Group supporters were nominated by Christine for the latest Challenger's Wall, so check out the online version HERE to see if you can spot yours or a name of someone you know!
 

Christine points to her name on the Founder's Wall in Reception



Eugene, Iaine and Mike find their names