Dereham’s daughter raises £ 3,000 amid her mother’s cancer battle

A brave eight-year-old girl has raised thousands of pounds for charity as her mother fights cancer.

Zara Habrouk, from Toftwood to Dereham, has won over £ 3,000 for Dereham Cancer Care (DCC) after her mother, Nicola, was diagnosed with the disease.

Ms Habrouk learned she had breast cancer in July and would need chemotherapy before an operation later this year.

But in the months that followed, DCC was on hand to support the 41-year-old throughout her fight.

Recognizing that her mother had a mountain to climb, Zara decided to say thank you by climbing the equivalent of Scafell PIke up her stairs at home – setting herself a fundraising goal of £ 500.

Zara Habrouk, from Toftwood, won £ 3,000 for Dereham Cancer Care
– Credit: Nicola Habrouk

“As soon as I was diagnosed, I contacted Dereham’s cancer care, said Ms. Habrouk.

“Your mind races and you think about what to consider. Zoe Flint of DCC has been that shoulder to cry on – they’ve all been huge.

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“Zara has always been someone who wants to do good. She asked what she could do to help, and I said ‘if you want to fundraise for DCC, that would make me so happy’.

Nicola Habrouk, from Toftwood, says she is “super proud” of her daughter, Zara
– Credit: Nicola Habrouk

“I wondered what we could do at home, and she suggested a virtual mountain climb.”

Not the type to do things by halves, Zara quickly started up and down the stairs as fast as she could.

Before she knew it, the determined youngster had reached the top of England’s highest mountain.

Nicola Habrouk, from Toftwood, was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2021
– Credit: Nicola Habrouk

And Zara clearly captured the imagination of the public, increasing her original goal six times.

“I am a super proud mother,” added Ms. Habrouk. “Zara is eight years old and wanting to do that is amazing.

“From talking to Zoe, I know this money will make such a difference. It’s six months rent for DCC.”

Nicola Habrouk, from Toftwood, with her daughter Zara,
– Credit: Nicola Habrouk

Following her daughter’s heroic efforts, Ms. Habrouk simply wants others to know that support is available during the darkest times.

“No one wants to hear that they have cancer, but statistically a large portion of people are going to deal with it,” she said.

“It’s horrible and the treatment is exhausting but, with the kind of support Dereham Cancer Care has given me, you can get away with it.”