Celebrating 30 years of impact
with FORCE Cancer Charity.
FORCE recipient Rahmaneh Moosavi.
Professor Brendan Godley’s story.
“With FORCE Cancer Charity’s ongoing support, we are advancing vital cancer research and training the next generation of leaders in this field. We are grateful for their commitment and proud to celebrate our long-standing partnership.”
Professor Sallie Lamb, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.
For more than 30 years FORCE Cancer Charity has generously supported critical research projects and individuals like Rahmaneh Moosavi at the University of Exeter.
Rahmaneh began her MPhil course in Medicine and Medical Biosciences at the University of Exeter Medical School four years ago and was fortunate to receive a scholarship award from FORCE Cancer Charity. This support made a profound difference to her academic journey. Rahmaneh also shared that the support inspired her to upgrade her studies to a PhD degree which has helped her get closer to her goal of contributing to research that leads to better prevention and improved treatments.
Rahmaneh shared, “support from FORCE was integral to my journey and I know deeply that this path wouldn’t have started, let alone be finished, without it. My project was on ‘Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Brain’. Metastasis is when cancer spreads from where it first started to another part of the body. I am proud to share that my research has offered a window into potential future strategies to help reduce the risk of metastasis to the brain. I’m extremely grateful for the massive support that FORCE has provided for my research. It is no exaggeration to say that this support has had a life changing effect, and I am extremely grateful that my life has been touched by their kindness and generosity”.
Dr Christopher Giles Rowland Bursary
The impact of FORCE is also evident through the Dr Christopher Giles Rowland Bursary established in 2016 which aids second year Medical School students opting to take a Professional Training Year linked to oncology. The eighth recipient of the bursary will be awarded this year.
The Bursary has removed significant financial barriers for students. Unlocking opportunities to focus on research and professional development. Last year’s recipient Elizabeth Sears (2024-2025) was thankful for the support which enabled her to contribute to a published paper: “becoming a named author should really support me in securing a PhD once I have finished my undergraduate studies, allowing me to enter graduate research”.
After completing her degree at the University of Exeter former bursary recipient Lily Hillson (Medical Sciences with Professional Training Year, 2021) has pursued a career in cancer research. Lily remains deeply grateful for the support she received from FORCE which enabled important early steps in her career.
Lily shared that the support from FORCE enabled her to complete her degree in medicine setting her up perfectly to go on to do a PhD in Cancer Sciences at the University of Glasgow. Lily is now based in Melbourne, Australia, and is looking to continue applying her skills in translational cancer research and clinical research support.
Lily celebrating the successful defense of her PhD thesis with her examiners and supervisor in 2025.
Lily attended the American Association of Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023 in Orlando, Florida.
“The support from FORCE has had a lasting impact on my development as a researcher and on my ability to contribute to improving outcomes for people affected by cancer.”
Lily Hillson.
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