Support cancer boffin in walking challenge

RESEARCH... Cell biologist Habiba Begum urged Oldhamers to back World Cancer Day

AN OLDHAM scientist has urged residents to support World Cancer Day this Saturday.

Cell biologist Habiba Begum (26) is part of a team of scientists who are developing new drugs to treat cancer.

The Glodwick resident carries out vital research to improve treatment for patients in her role at the Drug Discovery Unit at Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute ­- part of the University of Manchester.

Former Hathershaw College and Oldham Sixth Form College student Habiba is set to walk, jog or run 10,000 steps every day throughout March to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

She said: "I have always enjoyed science and trying to understand how things work ­- it's a universal language.

"I've become more exposed to people with cancer and have seen the devastation it brings to people and those around them.

"I've been blessed with knowledge and a good education and want to use them to help combat this global disease.

"Cancer doesn't discriminate ­- it affects anyone, which is one of the reasons why research, and the fundraising that allows us to do it, is hugely important, so we can help more people survive."

Habiba has recently worked as part of a team who are developing a potential new treatment for lung cancer.

On leaving Oldham Sixth Form College Habiba studied biomedical sciences followed by a masters' degree at the University of Manchester.

She has worked at the institute for two years where her role varies from laboratory-based investigations to research.

A new project will see the drug discovery unit develop a potential cancer drug called RET inhibitors. The drug offers the potential to improve survival rates for lung cancer patients.

To donate to the cause visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/cruk-mi-drug-discovery-unit.