University of Brighton student wins major awards while battling cancer
Rebecca Cormack continued her studies despite a breast cancer diagnosis one week before starting her degree, going on to win two prestigious awards.
From diagnosis to graduation
Rebecca Cormack's journey through her creative degree at the University of Brighton is a testament to courage and dedication. The mature student received a breast cancer diagnosis just one week before starting her BA (Hons) in 3D Design and Craft, a life-changing moment that could have derailed her ambitions entirely. Instead, she chose to continue with her studies, becoming a shining example of resilience in the face of adversity.
Throughout her course, Rebecca attended regular radiotherapy sessions but refused to let her treatment interrupt her education. She would often return to the university workshop on the same day as her appointments, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her creative practice and studies.
Powerful final project
Her dedication paid off spectacularly. For her final year project, Rebecca created a deeply meaningful body of work addressing serious social issues. An installation titled "What Were You Wearing?" confronts the damaging narrative that questions women's clothing choices following sexual assault. Crafted from delicate porcelain slip, the piece challenges this harmful perspective and sparks important conversations.
Alongside the installation, Rebecca designed a striking jewellery collection exploring the pressure placed on women regarding physical appearance and the impact of media-driven objectification. Each piece carries intentional meaning and purpose.
One striking necklace, worn high on the collarbone, redirects attention away from the chest while delivering the empowering message: "I see you." Delicate earrings feature impressions of nipples with highly polished finishes that reflect the viewer's gaze, inviting a second look. A silver brain pendant reminds onlookers that "she has a brain," challenging objectification through clever design.
Recognition and impact
Rebecca's exceptional talent, creativity and promise were recognised through two major awards. She won both the Michael Bloomstein Prize and the Anna-Maria Desogus Memorial Award, receiving prize money and a gift of silver that will support further development of her work.
Now cancer-free and graduated, Rebecca is channelling her success into activism. She has pledged to donate half the profits from each jewellery sale to Rape Crisis, with the remaining funds supporting future activist projects. Her work continues to challenge harmful narratives and spark meaningful conversation about how societal attitudes impact women.
While Rebecca's earlier university projects had addressed young men's mental health, her final collection represents a powerful shift in focus—exploring how societal attitudes harm women and examining the intersection of body autonomy, identity and cultural expectations.
Her story reminds us of the extraordinary strength that can emerge from difficult circumstances, and the power of creative practice to effect real social change.
Source: Student shines on degree course despite battling cancer