Breast cancer is something that effects so many people in this country, but it is also one the most treatable forms of cancer. One of the charities looking for ways to prevent occurance and improve treatments is the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) in Galway. The NBCRI funds postdoctoral scientists and postgraduate researchers and provides financial support for the running of the research laboratory at the Clinical Science Institute, University College Hospital, Galway. They hope to gain new insights into the causes of breast cancer and to develop new treatments.

http://www.nbcri.ie/index.asp

There are plenty of ways for people to support this charity but one of the great ways for young people and students like myself to support it is through participating in their sponsered Walking Challenges. My friend Roisin and I took part int the Grand Canyon Walking Challenge in 2008 which saw us walk 70km across four National Parks in the american south-west, raising 9,600 euro between us, and making a whole gang of new friends.

Myself and Roisin taking a rest on our treck along the Grand Canyon

http://www.nbcri.ie/page.asp?menu=87&page=320

My friend Roisin and her boyfriend Brian raised another 7,400 last year by taking part in the California Walking Challenge which took in the Golden Gate Bridge and Yosimite National Park.

The great thing about these trips is that your sponsership covers flights, accomodation and some meals so it makes a lot of sense for any student who wants to do a bit of travelling. As well as that you make lifelong friendships, and as you get older and have a bit more expendable income you can support the charity by attending the annual Valentines Ball or the fashion shows or charity lunches.

NBCRI are organising three walking events for 2011, Sweden – 8 days in July, Vietnam – 10 days in October and New York – 5 days early December.

I would encorage anyone to take part in these as they are sure to be NBCRIs most successful yet. To enquire about these trips just email joe@nbcri.ie