Cambridge Pink Week (5th - 11th February) celebrated its tenth anniversary this year with a wide array of events and has become a radiant beacon of hope and charity across the university. Founded in 2014 by Nina Rauch, a Clare student championing the cause after her mother, Dina Rabinovitch, sadly passed away from breast cancer, Pink Week is a student-led charitable organisation that raises money and awareness for breast cancer charities.

This milestone year was all about taking things to the next level, supported by the Pillars of Pink Week – aiming for ’bigger, brighter, and bolder. More events, more sponsorships, and more donations were all set for the agenda. The focus was not just on painting the town pink but also on increasing awareness with resources and statistics about breast cancer. Plus, a bold initiative worked towards demystifying cancer, ensuring inclusivity.

So what did we get up to for Pink Week 2024?

To kick the week off, students were invited to join Mary Twitchett for a rejuvenating 45-minute yoga session at both Jesus and Emma Chapels. Every penny from the ticket cost went straight to the charities, a perfect fusion of wellness and goodwill.

Following this, Pink Week Rumboogie, a Cambridge staple, brought everyone together to dance the night away, with a percentage of the ticket proceeds going to charity.

Thursday marked a special day as breast cancer survivors and experts took centre stage at the Pink Week Conference. Discussions delved into the latest research and personal experiences associated with breast cancer, marking for a day of enlightenment and empowerment.

Behind the scenes, Pink Week played Cupid in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day. Specially designed cards by Cambridge student Lucy Tansley stole hearts at just £3 each. Every penny went towards supporting breast cancer, and even offered optional add-ons like flowers and handwritten messages.

And this was just the beginning for the university-wide activities. Individual colleges also relished in a week of awareness.

Corpus took the lead during this week, spearheading a range of activities and setting an exemplary standard for participation and engagement. They organised an event each day of the week, featuring activities like life drawing, yoga, a quiz night, and cupcake decorating. As the week unfolded, the college also hosted a Pink Week Formal and a Barbie-themed bop. The week concluded with an opportunity for students to pay for the privilege of having a selection of the Corpus boys streamlined on Sunday evening - much to their dismay. President of Cambridge University Pink Week, Lauren Herd, expressed immense gratitude to Hannah and Šeyi, the organisers of Corpus’ Pink Week, acknowledging their exemplary leadership and efforts in making it a huge success.

Medwards was also actively involved in the week’s festivities, presenting ‘Cambridget Jones’s Diary,’ a show described as a ‘hilarious parody of the classic rom-com you weren’t expecting and aren’t ready for. Welcome to the world of Cambridget.’ Their schedule also featured a formal, a quiz and pink gin night, crochet, and a staple Barbie movie night.

They weren’t the only ones, though. Several other colleges participated enthusiastically: Catz hosted a typical Barbie screening, Queen’s organised a photo competition and bake sale, while Caius held a pink cocktail-making night and Pink Week breakfast specials. Girton opted for zumba and life drawing, and Churchill engaged in a high-spirited Karaoke night. Christ’s, Clare, and Newnham additionally celebrated the week in a similar fashion with formals and quiz nights.

Enabled by the generosity of supporters and donors, the tenth anniversary of Pink Week at Cambridge University marked a successful celebration of hope and charity. Emphasising larger initiatives, the week hosted a variety of events that brought students together in the battle against breast cancer. While officially confined to a week each year, the organisation hopes to make celebrations and charitable endeavours a consistent aspect of the Cambridge experience, ensuring the perpetuation of its meaningful message. The excitement doesn’t end here though; the highly anticipated Pink Week Ball promises to be an unforgettable experience, adding a vibrant finale to the week’s celebrations.

If you wish to donate any money to Cambridge Pink Week 2024, please follow the link here.