King’s in Pink: student-led generosity powering real research

Corporate Partner: King’s College (King’s in Pink)
Interviewee: Thérèse Eddy, Alumni Relations Manager & King’s in Pink Founder and Patron

What began as a simple way for the King’s College community to rally around families affected by breast cancer has grown into King’s in Pink, a student-led fun run and breakfast that funds lifesaving research through the PA Research Foundation. For King’s Alumni Relations Manager, Thérèse Eddy, the partnership is both deeply meaningful and deeply personal. With students organising the event, touring the PA’s research labs and hearing firsthand from scientists, this collaboration gives young people a front-row seat to discovery, and a powerful understanding of the impact they can help create.

Q&A

Q: For readers who may not know, what is King’s in Pink and how did it begin?
Thérèse: King’s in Pink started more than 15 years ago as a way for our community to support families connected to King’s who were affected by breast cancer. It began as a small event and has evolved into a full Fun Run and Breakfast run entirely by our students. King’s College itself is a co-residential College at The University of Queensland, home to around 370 students.

Q: How did the partnership with the PA Research Foundation come about?
Thérèse: Our former Director of Marketing, Madeleine Warner, suggested we connect with the PA and Project Pink to give the event more structure and purpose. That partnership has been invaluable; it links our students directly to real research happening at the PA.

Q: How has the event evolved over the years?
Thérèse: It’s grown from an adults-only cocktail event into something far more aligned with the cause - a fun run and community breakfast. Students now form a full committee with first, second, and third-year reps. They’re involved in logistics, merchandise, marketing and catering (generously supported by Chartwells). It’s extraordinary professional experience for them.

Q: What do students gain from working directly with PAF?
Thérèse: Every year we tour the TRI and the PA laboratories. Students always come back buzzing. Meeting researchers and seeing the complexity and commitment behind the science changes the way they see fundraising. It makes it real.

Q: You have your own personal connection to this cause. Would you mind sharing that?
Thérèse: I was diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer in December 2024. When I learned that the treatment I’m on – Herceptin - exists because of research done in the 1990s, it hit me hard. That’s the power of research funding. We also lost a beloved staff member in 2024 to a sudden metastasis, which brought home just how urgent this work is.

Q: How does supporting PAF align with King’s values?
Thérèse: King’s was founded by the Uniting Church, and compassion and kindness are fundamental to who we are. We want to give students meaningful opportunities to contribute beyond themselves. King’s in Pink embodies that.

Q: What are the main ways King’s supports the Foundation?
Thérèse: Through the annual King’s in Pink Fun Run & Breakfast, through student and staff volunteering, and through ongoing engagement; including lab visits, awareness activities and collaboration with PAF’s team.

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of the partnership for you personally?
Thérèse: Watching students grow. They pick up leadership, event-management skills, and an understanding of philanthropy that will stay with them.

Q: Is there a particular highlight that stands out?
Thérèse: The lab tours are always special. Students come back inspired and “all-in”. And on event day, seeing students, alumni, staff and families rally together for something so meaningful. There’s always a moment that takes your breath away.

Q: What difference do you hope King’s in Pink makes?
Thérèse: I hope it accelerates research, particularly into questions around HER2+ breast cancer. Seed funding is powerful. It helps push ideas forward that may benefit thousands.

Q: Why are partnerships like yours important for organisations such as PAF?
Thérèse: They pair community energy with scientific momentum. Students bring enthusiasm, networks and hands-on help. PAF brings purpose and proof of impact. It’s a wonderful synergy.

Q: How do you see the relationship with PAF evolving in the future?
Thérèse: We value it immensely. Because it’s tangible, students meet researchers, see facilities, understand outcomes. It aligns beautifully with their education and with who we are as a College.