Dying To Climb: Shaunna Burke
Fri 09 Oct
|Otley Common
Join us at Otley Common for an engaging evening with Shaunna Burke, the first woman with incurable stage 4 cancer to summit Everest.
Time & Location
09 Oct 2026, 19:00 – 21:30
Otley Common, Walkergate, Otley LS21 1HB, UK
About the event
In 2024 Shaunna was diagnosed with incurable stage-four breast cancer. Rather than retreat, she leaned into her training, science and mindset. She designed a tailored diet and exercise plan, running to her chemotherapy and radiotherapy appointments to keep her body moving and her mind focused.
On 29 May 2025 she completed the world’s highest marathon — the Everest Marathon (starting at 5,356 m and finishing at 3,446 m) — in 7h 41m, placing 4th in her women’s foreigner category. Along the way she also climbed Lobuche East. This event raised vital funds for her selected cancer charity, MacMillan Cancer Support.
Her journey was captured in a feature documentary by Saga Media Film, and in spring 2026, she plans to return to Everest to attempt the summit—proving that even with incurable cancer, the climb continues.
Reflecting on the endeavor, she said:
“Life doesn’t stop with an incurable cancer diagnosis.”
Her journey is not…