Branka was a bit of a goth chick. Remarkable for her long red hair, black clothes and knee-high boots... not to mention her svelte figure and mischievous eyes. She would also often wear leopard-print clothes, she had a leopard-print key chain, leopard-print mug, leopard print pillows... you get the drift. Her music taste included the likes of Siouxsie, Nick Cave, Sisters of Mercy, Tom Waits and Marc Almond. She enjoyed spending nights out with friends, travelling, reading, independent movies, climbing. A likeable and cheerful personality, eager to explore the world around her and a bit fidgety. In the office you couldn't help but notice her, due to her notorious loud laugh and distinctive look. She joined BDS in October 2002. In July 2004 she went on sick leave, after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent chemotherapy, determined to put up a fight. She came to pay us a quick visit at the office in November 2004 and looked quite well and in good spirit. Little did we know that it would be the last time we'd see her. Unfortunately, at the end of January, we received the devastating news that the tumor had spread to her brain. Gone into a coma, she was given a few days to live. She died on 6th of March at the age of 30.

Fast forward to the present time and it is now two years since Branka left us. On 6th of March we held a one-minute silence at the office to mark her demise. But what better tribute can be paid to her memory than raising funds for the battle against cancer? Two years ago we held a sponsored 20-mile walk along the Thames from Chelsea Bridge to Hampton Court. This year we would like to take our challenge further down along the west side of the Thames. On Saturday 14th of April we will be conducting a 20-mile walk from Reading to Marlow passing by dainty little Henley-on-Thames (it's guaranteed to be a nice scenic walk and we will indulge in the obligatory pub stop, lol). For those of you who don't feel like braving the whole length of the walk, we suggest catching up with the early-birdy-power-walkers at around midday in Henley-on-Thames which lies approx. half way to our final destination. We propose to meet at around 8am on 14th at Paddington station. We are inviting all of Branka's colleagues and friends, and even those who never met her, to join us for what promises to be a day to remember (we had great fun two years ago and came back home with a sense of achievement).

We would very much welcome any sponsorship contributions from you all. So please give as generously as you can. We really want to make this a special day and collect huge amounts for ABC in memory of Branka.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Against Breast Cancer will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Best wishes and many thanks for your support,

The German Team at BDS