Alex Cann

7:00am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Tom Grennan

Higher

Listen Live Podcasts

Harrogate mum to trek 100km through Sahara Desert for breast cancer

Wednesday, 22 October 2025 07:11

Emma Brown is set to take on an epic charity challenge.

A Harrogate mum is preparing to trek 100 kilometres across the Sahara Desert to raise money and awareness for breast cancer charity CoppaFeel!

Emma Brown, 38, who works as a Clinical Team Manager in Community Mental Health Services for the NHS, will take on the challenge next month.

The five-day trek will see her face soaring daytime temperatures and vast sand dunes as part of a fundraising expedition with others supporting the charity.

Emma was inspired to take on the challenge after her mum was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2022 — an experience that she says had a profound impact on her family.

Emma, who is mum to a young son, Arthur, said:

“I’m walking this walk for my mum, grandma, uncle and all the people in my family whose lives have been stolen by cancer.

“Not to forget all those who are currently receiving treatment. Every step is for a great cause, and every donation makes a difference.”

CoppaFeel! is the UK’s only youth-focused breast cancer awareness charity, encouraging young people to check their chests regularly and learn the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

The charity aims to promote early detection, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Emma said she’s feeling “nervous but very excited” ahead of what she calls an “adventure of a lifetime.”

She added that she’s been “overwhelmed” by the support from friends, colleagues, and the Harrogate community:

“By doing this, I hope to raise much-needed funds and awareness for CoppaFeel!, who do such incredible work encouraging early detection and empowering people to advocate for their health."

At the time of publication, Emma has raised £3,175 towards her £3,500 fundraising target. Donations can be made through her JustGiving page here.

More from Local News

Little Bird artisan markets celebrate 7th anniversary

Little Bird Artisan Markets is celebrating seven years of supporting small independent traders and bringing artisan products to communities across Yorkshire.
Met Office issues yellow weather warning for heavy rain and strong winds

The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for parts of North Yorkshire.
Lidl still seeking new stores in Harrogate and Ripon

Retail giant Lidl has confirmed it is still on the lookout for new supermarket sites in Harrogate and Ripon as part of its ongoing expansion drive.
Release date revealed for Christmas movie filmed in Knaresborough

A festive film that was partly shot in Knaresborough is set to be released in just a few weeks.
New flights to launch from Leeds Bradford Airport to Southampton

New twice-daily flights from Leeds Bradford Airport to Southampton are set to launch next year.
Funding secured to rid Harrogate streets of chewing gum

Harrogate could be set to benefit from cleaner streets after a grant has been secured to tackle chewing gum.
Popular clothing shop and tailor moves to new Harrogate location

A long-established luxury menswear and tailor in Harrogate has moved to a new location after almost three decades in its original home.
Mother Shipton's Cave named among UK's spookiest Halloween spots

Halloween is just around the corner — and one of Knaresborough's most famous landmarks has earned a haunting new title.
Myrings scoop multiple golds at national estate agent awards

Myrings Estate Agents in Harrogate won multiple top honours at the national ESTAS Awards last week, held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.
Harrogate nurse steps into MMA cage to honour late partner

A Harrogate nurse is stepping into the cage this November to raise money for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) - and to honour the memory of her late partner.
Jewellery worth £20,000 stolen from Harrogate home

Police have launched an appeal after thousands of pounds worth of Asian gold jewellery was stolen during a burglary in Harrogate last month.
Harrogate NHS retains gold award for maternity and neonatal units

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) has been reaccredited with UNICEF UK's Baby Friendly Gold Award for both its maternity and neonatal units.
Harrogate school joins global movement to promote 'girl power'

Hundreds of pupils at Ashville College in Harrogate joined others around the world to celebrate International Day of the Girl - a United Nations initiative promoting equality and empowerment for girls.
Families and volunteers mark 10th anniversary of Harrogate Junior Parkrun

Celebrations were in full swing this weekend as Harrogate Junior Parkrun marked its 10th anniversary.
Knaresborough's Eddie Large punching his way to the top

It has been a standout year for 16-year-old local boxer Eddie Large, whose determination and discipline have propelled him through the amateur ranks to become one of Yorkshire's brightest young talents.
Police drone helps catch Harrogate thief hiding in garden

A police drone has helped officers arrest a man after a van loaded with suspected stolen property made off from Harrogate.
Harrogate law firm hits £10,000 fundraising milestone for St Michael's

Harrogate law firm LCF Law has raised more than £10,000 for Saint Michael's Hospice through its continued support of the charity's annual 'Make a Will Month' campaign.
Harrogate primary school opens new hub for wraparound care

St Peter's CE Primary School in Harrogate has unveiled a new, purpose-built hub for its wraparound care provision, giving its before and after school club a permanent base within the school grounds.
Rising Harrogate Thai boxer lands world title belt

A Harrogate Thai boxer who is turning 14 has added another belt to his collection after success at Barnsley Metrodome.
'Business as usual' for Knaresborough garden centre despite sale

The team at Lime Tree Café in Knaresborough have issued a plea to customers that it is 'business as usual' - despite the wider business being listed for sale.