National Breast Imaging Academy: Vision to Reality

Following Nikki’s first blog, which explored the National Breast Imaging Academy as an Idea to a Vision, we now take you behind the scenes of turning the vision for the National Breast Imaging Academy into a practical reality, offering new insight into the decisions, partnerships and coordinated efforts that brought the project to life.

Our Journey to Fundraising Success

With a revised fundraising plan in place, developed in collaboration with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Charity, we focused on one clear goal: raising £3.2 million to bring the National Breast Imaging Academy to life.

What followed were truly extraordinary moments. A memorable highlight was a dinner at the House of Commons, generously hosted by our local MP for Wythenshawe, Mike Kane. Mike and his team, led by Suzanne Richards, supported our campaign from day one, making vital introductions and speaking at events about the urgent need for the Academy.

We were also fortunate to receive support from Lord Graham Brady, whose introductions helped raise our profile and inspire further fundraising activity.

And perhaps most notably, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, became a passionate advocate for the Academy. He spoke at multiple events, highlighting the critical shortage of breast imaging specialists and sharing his personal connection to Prevent Breast Cancer’s mission. His visibility and influence helped raise awareness across the region and inspired supporters, fundraisers, and local businesses to get involved, a catalyst that significantly boosted our campaign.

Support from across the UK

Our fundraisers poured their energy, creativity, and determination into this single project. The costs continued to rise – £3.5 million, £3.8 million, then finally £3.9 million – yet we persevered.

Over the years that followed, supporters came together around this one purpose, from the London Marathon to the Great Manchester Run, and countless other events in between. Each challenge undertaken, each mile run, and each pound raised brought us closer to turning a shared vision into reality.

We were fortunate to secure generous support from Charitable Trusts, including Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust, Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, and the Denise Coates Foundation. Their steadfast belief helped sustain momentum and inspired further contributions.

In 2024, we also took part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, where our supporters helped raise over £148,000.

We were continually inspired by the incredible people behind us: our Patrons, Sally Dynevor, Victoria Ekanoye, and Sue Cleaver; supporters such as Louise Stephenson, and the LCap Empowering Women’s Network; Margo Cornish and the Boobee Ambassadors – women empowered by their own experiences of breast cancer; and countless individuals across the UK who believed in what we were trying to achieve.

There were challenges too

One of the hardest moments was turning down £1.5 million from a potential funder, it didn’t feel right. It was a lesson in trusting instincts, staying true to our values, and holding our nerve under pressure. There were also rejected applications and organisations that chose not to support us. At times, the task felt relentless.

Throughout these challenges, the expertise and guidance from the team at Philanthropy Company was invaluable. Their support helped us navigate difficult decisions, stay focused, and keep moving forward.

What carried us through was resilience, optimism, and taking small steps every single day.

Reaching the finish line

Thanks to Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, whose belief in the project led the hospital to underwrite costs, building work was able to begin in late 2024, even before the total fundraising target had been reached.

In September 2025, we finally achieved our goal. The final piece of the puzzle came from Roxsan and Chris Niebel and The Genius Group, who generously stepped forward to cover the remaining shortfall with a donation of £42,715.

Walking into the building and seeing the scale and reality of what had once been an idea was an overwhelmingly emotional moment for me, a powerful reminder of the dedication, determination and generosity that made this possible.

A heartfelt thank you

Now, with the Academy almost complete, we are hopeful it will open before the end of March 2026. This achievement is extraordinary – not just for the Prevent Breast Cancer team, whose hard work I am deeply grateful for, but for everyone who contributed to making it happen.

To Dr Mary Wilson, Paula Stavrinos, Jayne Snape and the Academy team, our Board of Trustees, Patrons, supporters, fundraisers, and every individual and organisation who played a part: thank you. Together, we have helped to address a critical workforce crisis and, ultimately, helped save women’s lives – now and in the future.

Before we move on to our next project, I hope everyone can take a moment to pause and reflect on this incredible journey.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Nikki’s reflections highlight how determined fundraising, strategic leadership and nationwide collaboration enabled the National Breast Imaging Academy to progress from ambition to completion.

With the project now nearing its opening, the Academy represents a significant achievement that will strengthen breast imaging capacity and deliver longterm benefits for women across the UK.