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International Women’s Day

Inspiring the next generation of medical researchers

Professor Helen Bryant

Every year on 8 March the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day, an occasion dedicated to honouring the achievements of women across all fields and raising awareness of the ongoing challenges they face.

One of the most inspiring fields where women have made an indelible mark is medical research. From uncovering the mysteries of human DNA to developing groundbreaking treatments for life-threatening diseases, women researchers play a critical role in advancing medical science.

To celebrate International Women’s Day and hopefully inspire the next generation of women in research, we’re highlighting the achievements of Professor Helen Bryant. Helen is Professor of Cancer Therapeutics at Sheffield University, as well as being a member of our Scientific Advisory Board.

How long have you worked in this field and what first inspired you down this career path?

I have worked in cancer research since 2000, but I have wanted to be a scientist since I was 14 and first learned about DNA. I found it fascinating that such a simple molecule could hold all the information needed to make us who we are (and animals, bacteria, viruses and even plants what they are too) and I wanted to know more. I went to university to study Biochemistry and there I learned how changes in DNA can lead to disease and I was hooked. Fast forward several decades, and here I am investigating how changes in DNA can lead to cancer and how we can exploit these changes to provide better, kinder therapies for cancer patients.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

I love finding out how things work and I love that I can spend time thinking and testing new ideas.  I love the fact that what I do has the potential to help treat cancer. I also get a great deal of satisfaction teaching students and helping them develop into independent scientists.

What are your biggest career accomplishments?

I helped develop a drug that is now used to treat tens of thousands of cancer patients worldwide. It took a long time, but knowing that something I found in the lab is now helping people live longer is a real privilege. 

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

We need to celebrate the achievements of women, not only because women have done some amazing things, but to raise awareness that, despite their amazingness, women still face challenges and discrimination today. Challenges like the gender pay gap, unequal access to education and healthcare, and violence. 

What is the most valuable piece of career advice you have been given?

Stick with it.  It is hard being a woman in science (and many other fields). At times you may not be taken seriously or listened to, but stick with it, speak up, and have confidence in your ability.  

Why is it important to encourage more young people into childhood cancer research?

Although we have made great improvements in cancer treatment over the last few decades, there is still so much to do. Children are still dying and we need the next generation of scientists to make even bigger leaps forward so that we can beat this disease.

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Nancy Dykes

Nancy Dykes

Nancy, 11, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma when she was just 2 years old. She was treated with Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) in Germany but unfortunately relapsed less than a year later. The family were then sent to Germany for a second round of PBT. Although treatment helped to cure Nancy’s cancer, she has been left with lots of lasting effects which will require ongoing treatment throughout her life. Here Nancy and her mum, Antonia, share their story in the hope it will help others, raise awareness, and raise more money for children’s cancer research.

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Prof John Hickman

Prof John Hickman

Why I am a Trustee of CCRF
 
I am a relative of the Larkin family and knew Rosie Larkin ( Friends of Rosie, now CCRF) when she had and then died of neuroblastoma, aged six. At that time, I was a scientist and professor at Manchester University, actively working on the problem of why some cancers do not die despite intensive and toxic therapies.  Seeing Rosie during her unsuccessful therapy and then attending her funeral, besides being emotional, drove me to double down on my own research as well as to support the Charity as best I could as a cancer researcher. I spent over a decade as the Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of the CCRF, when the Board moulded policies to ensure that funds raised for research into childhood cancers were distributed only to clinicians and researchers who had the brightest ideas that could impact of cancer medicine for children.
 
My role on the Board
 
As a Trustee,  I hope that my many decades of experience in cancer research and medicine can help the CCRF determine where best the funds that are raised can be invested in cutting edge research and medicine. I am also keen that the CCRF brings together UK and international experts in science and cancer medicine to brainstorm on how best to advance the treatment of childhood cancers.
 
My Background
 
I was a Professor of Pharmacology at Manchester University, working on drug resistance in cancer. I then moved to Paris, where I still live, to head cancer drug discovery at a French pharmaceutical company (Servier). I then headed an EU consortium for six years that brought together researchers from the pharmaceutical industry, universities and biotechnology companies, from all over Europe and the UK, to improve cancer drug discovery. I continue to be active in cancer health policy, publishing in the medical literature.
Katrina

Katrina London

Why I am a Trustee of CCRF

I have spent my professional career representing individuals and families affected by the devastating asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma, which has no cure and for which there are only a limited number of palliative treatments available on the NHS.

I joined CCRF because I wanted to bring my understanding of the need to raise awareness of less well known cancers and passion for the need to secure improved funding for research to children facing a cancer diagnosis.

My role on the Board

I am responsible for oversight of our collaboration agreements with other charities to co-fund research into cures and treatments for childhood cancers. I also manage our challenge events and help with community fundraising. 

My Background

I am a Senior Associate at Irwin Mitchell LLP and specialise in Asbestos Disease Litigation, acting on behalf of victims of asbestos related diseases and their families.  Over the years, I have undertaken a number of fundraising challenges to raise money for cancer research, including a 1000 mile cycle ride from Glasgow to Southampton.   

Carla

Carla Nuttall

Why I’m a Trustee of CCRF
 
I became a trustee of the Children’s Cancer Research Fund because I believe every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and with everything to look forward to in life. Like many people, I’ve seen the impact cancer can have on families and I wanted to do something that could make a real difference. This started through my work as an ambassador for Cyclists Fighting Cancer, which supported young people and their families in finding strength, confidence, and joy through movement.
 
That experience shaped my understanding of the challenges families face and the importance of community-led support – but crucially, the clear need for that to go hand-in-hand with targeted research and long-term solutions.
 
This is why I’m so passionate about the work CCRF does and proud to contribute to a cause that gives children and their families, the greatest chance of living a life without limits.
 
My Role on the Board
 
I support CCRF’s mission by bringing my experience in brand, marketing, and communications to the board. My focus is on helping CCRF tell its story in a way that resonates with people – whether that’s families, researchers, donors, or the wider public. I work alongside an incredible team to strengthen CCRF’s voice, build trust, and grow awareness so that more children and families can benefit from the breakthroughs we’re helping to fund.
 
My Background
 
I’m the Executive Director of Corporate Affairs and Marketing for The Growth Company, a social enterprise dedicated to helping people, businesses, and places to thrive through its market-leading insight, employment, skills and business support.
My passion is to help the organisations I work with to communicate with clarity, purpose, and integrity. That’s why I’ve spent my career in strategic communications supporting organisations that want to make a positive difference – CCRF could not fit my sense of purpose any better.