Former University of Northampton student signs up for CoppaFeel! challenge

Gabrielle Deacon, who recently graduated with a degree in Psychology and Counselling, will be taking part, alongside her twin sister Lauren, in Winter Wolf – a 10km off-road challenge that features mud pits, swimming in lakes and a series of obstacles.

Both girls are participating in aid of CoppaFeel!, which aims to eliminate late detection of breast cancer. While studying, Gabrielle was president of the Uni Boob Team, which acts on behalf of the charity. For her work, she was named Individual Volunteer of the Year at the Students’ Union’s Society and Volunteering Awards in April, with Lauren picking up a similar prize at De Montfort University.

Twenty-year-old Gabrielle thinks she will be tested mentally and physically by her upcoming challenge. She said: “Neither Lauren nor I have completed any training for this. In fact, I would not describe either of us as the ‘running type’! So, it will not be easy to complete the course.”

Explaining why they both represented CoppaFeel! at university, she added: “We have always been active in breast cancer charities since losing our grandma at an early age.

“But we first came across CoppaFeel! after watching a documentary by the charity’s founder, who had developed the condition. She seemed to be the spitting image of us, and we were touched by her honesty and positivity about her diagnosis.

“With some of the younger generation being a little naïve about contracting breast cancer, joining the respective Uni Boob Teams was the perfect opportunity for us to get involved, despite being at different universities.”

Students’ Union President Liam Bligh added: “While at Northampton, Gabrielle worked tirelessly to create positive change on campus with the assistance of the Union and substantially increase understanding of breast cancer among our student body.

“She built up a team of dedicated volunteers, who have worked with Northampton Town FC to bring their message to the wider community and taken over the Students’ Union for a week of activities.

“Last year, the Uni Boob Team raised more than £700 and collected an award for being the Union’s Volunteer Project of the Year. Gabrielle was the driving force behind this, and I am sure the group will be desperate to continue her hard work going forward.”

The Winter Wolf is taking place on November 5 and 6 around Stanford Hall, a stately home in Leicestershire. You can sponsor the girls online and find out more information about the Uni Boob Team on the Students’ Union’s website:http://www.northamptonunion.com/groups/coppafeel--5.