RAF Leeming supports life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire in recognition of employees

A Royal Air Force station in North Yorkshire has raised vital funds for life-saving cancer research and services in Yorkshire.

After selecting Yorkshire Cancer Research as a charity partner in 2025, RAF Leeming hosted a variety of community fundraising events, raising more than £950 to help bring more cancer treatments and cures to people in Yorkshire.  

RAF Leeming decided to support the vital work of Yorkshire Cancer Research because several of its employees have been affected by cancer - either personally or through a loved one.  

The station’s fundraising activities included its popular Families Day, an 85th anniversary dinner, and a Halloween-themed “Spooky Sprint” fun run involving the local community in Leeming, Northallerton. 

This vital support came during a milestone year for both Yorkshire Cancer Research and RAF Leeming. In 2025, the charity marked its centenary, while the station celebrated 85 years of service.

The station is kicking off the New Year by hosting a Yorkshire Big Brew, the charity’s fundraising campaign which encourages people to host a tea party and support pioneering cancer research in Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Cancer Research has been funding cancer research and saving lives for 100 years. Since 1925, the charity has united with researchers, supporters and people with cancer to bring pioneering discoveries and vital progress to Yorkshire and beyond.  

Squadron Leader Kate Moore, from Ripon, is among those at RAF Leeming who have been personally affected by cancer. Shortly after her 40th birthday last year, she was diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a new lump in her breast. 

She said: “I was too young for routine mammograms, had no family history and felt fit and healthy.  On paper, I didn’t think I would be at risk. However my friend had recently been diagnosed, so I knew it was important to get checked.”

Following a mammogram and biopsy, Kate was told she had hormone receptor positive breast cancer. She was fast-tracked for surgery and underwent a mastectomy a month later. Unfortunately, further tests showed the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, requiring another operation in September, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

In March 2025, Kate completed her hospital treatment and was prescribed a hormone therapy called Tamoxifen to reduce the risk of breast cancer returning. This pioneering drug, which helps treat and prevent cancer, was developed with the help of grants from Yorkshire Cancer Research in the 1970s. 

In April, Kate began a phased return to her role as Chief of Staff at RAF Leeming, where she has worked for four years.

She said: “The support my husband and I have received since my diagnosis has been incredible. His squadron made sure he could attend all my appointments and help with childcare. The whole air force really stepped up, which meant so much during a time that felt quite bleak. To make sure I was ready for work, I also had an occupational assessment and was supported by the most wonderful nurse.”

As someone who was very active before her diagnosis, Kate made sure to exercise during and after her cancer treatment, including low intensity running and Pilates.

During a recent session in her local cancer support group, she was delighted to hear about the benefits a cancer exercise treatment service called Active Together was bringing to people in her community. Funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, Active Together offers people in Yorkshire research-backed exercise treatment, helping them prepare for and recover from their cancer treatment.  

“I was super fit beforehand, and while I’m not back to the same intensity as before, my mindset around health and fitness has never changed. Before returning to work, I wasn’t sure how I’d cope with my energy and endurance levels. Exercise has helped me feel like ‘me’ again and I know I wouldn’t have managed my busy job role without it.”

She continued: “As someone who’s experienced the benefits of exercise, I’m so pleased Active Together is available to people with cancer in my local community and across the region.”

Kate is now back to a full-time role as Chief of Staff at RAF Leeming, where she plans and leads the communications and engagement work across the station’s units. 

When asked why supporting the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research is so important, Kate said: “We’re seeing progress in cancer research all the time – people are being diagnosed earlier, and treatments are getting better. RAF Leeming is the main operating base of the North, including Yorkshire as a whole, so I’m proud we’ve chosen to support a Yorkshire cancer charity that puts the needs of its communities first.”

Flight Lieutenant Dan Glynn at RAF Leeming OIC Charities Committee, said: “RAF Leeming is proud to have partnered with Yorkshire Cancer Research as one of our chosen charities for 2025 - a year that also marked the station's 85th anniversary. Throughout this significant year, we forged a wonderful working relationship with the charity’s fundraising team, hosting numerous events where we have raised vital funds for this worthwhile cause. 

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Thanks to the dedication and generosity of people in communities across Yorkshire, Yorkshire Cancer Research can fund pioneering cancer research and innovative new services for people with cancer in the region. The money raised by RAF Leeming will help bring world-leading cancer research and talented cancer experts to our region, so people in Yorkshire can be among the first to benefit from innovative new cancer treatments and clinical trials.”