One year after completing her treatment, Nicola is taking on an impressive 100km trek for charity
In early 2024, Nicola McComb’s life took a dramatic turn when she was alerted to a lump by her cocker spaniel. At the age of 39, the Bangor woman said she always considered herself fit and healthy, with the diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer a “huge shock.”
In June 2025, Nicola successfully completed treatment consisting of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, and wanted to set herself a meaningful goal for recovery. This week, she takes on the huge challenge of the CoppaTrek, a 100km hike along the Jurassic Coast in the south of England, in aid of charity CoppaFeel!
The trek aims to raise funds and awareness for young people affected by breast cancer, and she will be led around the coast by team captains Giovanna Fletcher and Emma Willis.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Nicola said the event is about more than fundraising for her. She said: “It represents the determination and resilience needed to rebuild after cancer treatment and look forward with confidence.
“Taking on the CoppaFeel! trek a year after completing treatment feels incredibly rewarding. This time last year, my focus was simply on getting finishing treatment and recovering.
“To now be in a position where I can challenge myself physically and take part in an adventure like this is something I’m very grateful for. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and what can be achieved with determination, resilience and support.
“While going through cancer treatment, I set myself a goal of climbing Slieve Donard. It gave me something positive to focus on during some difficult days and reminded me that there would be challenges and achievements beyond treatment.
“With the support of my brother, Michael Thompson, and nephew, Lewin Thompson, I achieved that goal in May. Reaching the summit was an incredible moment and showed me that I was capable of more than I had imagined, and now I’m taking on the CoppaFeel! trek feels like the next step in that journey.”
Looking back on her cancer diagnosis and treatment, the 41-year-old said: “I always considered myself fit, healthy, and low-risk. This diagnosis was a huge shock.
“My cocker spaniel alerted me to my lump, and although I hadn’t been doing regular checks, I acted on that small moment. I saw my GP, which led to my diagnosis.
“Over the next 18 months, I underwent chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. It was incredibly tough, both physically and mentally, and I’m still recovering, rebuilding my body and strength.
“During this time, I witnessed the devastating loss of some incredible women to this form of breast cancer while I was battling it myself. These experiences gave me the determination to raise awareness and support life-saving work.”
Nicola said her diagnosis changed her perspective on life, making her want to move out of her comfort zone more often and try out new experiences. She also hopes to raise awareness of the importance of looking out for the signs and symptoms of cancer.
“I would never have considered this challenge before my cancer diagnosis,” she said. “Cancer changes your perspective on life and has made me more determined to say yes to new experiences and challenges.
“The trek is not just about completing the miles, it’s about proving to myself what I’m capable of and making the most of the opportunities I have. It’s also about connecting with other people who have faced similar experiences.
“There’s something really special about bringing together people who have been through similar journeys and supporting one another while taking on a challenge like this.
“It’s also an incredible opportunity to support CoppaFeel! and help raise awareness of the importance of checking your body and seeking advice if something doesn’t feel right.”
For anyone who finds themselves in the position she was in just two years ago, Nicola said it’s important to “take things one day at a time” and be kind to yourself.
She said: “Two years ago, I was facing one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancers, it completely changed my world. If I could say one thing to someone in that position now, it would be to take things one day at a time.
“There will be moments that feel overwhelming and frightening, but you don’t have to have all the answers straight away. Ask questions, accept support when it’s offered, and be kind to yourself on the difficult days.
“Lean on the people around you, I could not have got through it without my husband, Sam McComb, by my side, he held me up so ask for help when you need it and focus on the next step rather than the whole journey.
“Treatment can be tough, life can feel still while the world keeps moving, but there is life beyond cancer. When I was first diagnosed, I couldn’t have imagined climbing Slieve Donard, let alone preparing to trek the Jurassic Coast with CoppaFeel! Those milestones are a reminder that while cancer changes your life, it doesn’t have to define your future.”
You can donate to Nicola’s fundraiser for CoppaFeel! by clicking here.
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