Tanfield Brothers Complete White Rose Ride Urging Action on Yorkshire's Cancer Inequalities

Yorkshire professional cyclists Charlie and Harry Tanfield have completed a 400km (250 mile) cycle from Harrogate to Westminster, delivering hundreds of symbolic white roses to the heart of Government in a powerful call to address cancer inequalities in Yorkshire. 

Despite being home to 8% of the UK population, Yorkshire receives less than 5% of national health research funding. Every 17 minutes, someone in the region is told they have cancer. The White Rose campaign, led by Yorkshire Cancer Research, urges the Government to ensure the region is properly considered in the upcoming National Cancer Plan, highlighting the urgent need to address regional disparities in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

The Great Ayton brothers, who lost their mum following an operation on a cancerous tumour in 2019, began the two-day ride on Monday 8th September at the Yorkshire Cancer Research centre in Harrogate. The route included a stop at Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC), where they learned more about Active Together, a research-backed cancer exercise treatment programme funded by the charity and designed by experts at the AWRC. 

Arriving at Westminster on Tuesday 9th September, Charlie and Harry delivered the hand-crafted paper white roses, which were pledged by supporters from across Yorkshire to symbolise unity and urgency. The delivery follows the release of the charity’s White Rose Cancer Report, which outlines clear recommendations and policy asks that will improve cancer survival in the region and beyond. 

The brothers were welcomed to Westminster by several Yorkshire MPs and Members of the House of Lords from all side of the political spectrum, who have supported the charity’s campaign to address regional inequalities. Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, Charlie Dewhirst, MP for Bridlington and The Wolds, and Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, along with Members of the House of Lords, Lord Moynihan and Baroness Redfern welcomed the arrival of the Tanfield brothers at Westminster for the completion of their journey.  

Yorkshire Cancer Research supporters Geoff Rodley, from Pudsey, and Neil Garner, from Sheffield, were also at Westminster to welcome Harry and Charlie Tanfield at the end of their 250-mile challenge. Both Neil and Geoff have personal experience of the charity’s work, with Geoff successfully quitting smoking through the charity’s Yorkshire Stop Smoking Study and Neil successfully preparing for and recovering from bowel cancer surgery after receiving research-backed exercise treatment through Active Together.  

Preventing more cancers by automatically giving people support to stop smoking within more NHS services, and improving cancer survival by making research-backed exercise treatment available to everyone after being diagnosed, are two of the key policies Yorkshire Cancer Research is calling for.

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough said: "It was inspiring to see Charlie and Harry complete their challenge yesterday. Their journey carries an urgent message - and it's one the Government cannot afford to ignore.

Speaking after completing the challenge, Harry Tanfield said: “It was a real honour to carry the hopes of so many people from Yorkshire all the way to Westminster. The ride was tough, but nothing compared to what people face when they’re diagnosed with cancer, and that thought is what kept us going. We were overwhelmed by the support we received along the way and proud to deliver the white roses on behalf of everyone who wants to see action taken. Now it’s up to the Government to listen and make sure Yorkshire gets the investment it needs.” 

Professor Rob Copeland, Director of The AWRC and Professor of Physical Activity and Health, said: “The Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre is proud to support this important campaign to improve cancer services and tackle health inequalities across Yorkshire. With funding from Yorkshire Cancer Research, Sheffield Hallam University researchers at the AWRC developed the Active Together programme - a multi-modal cancer prehabilitation programme now being delivered by NHS trusts across the region. 

The White Rose campaign has received cross-party support from more than 40 politicians, including Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate & Knaresborough, Katie White, MP for Leeds North West, Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton and Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire.  

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “This campaign is about making sure Yorkshire’s voice is heard in Westminster. Charlie and Harry have done the region proud, cycling hundreds of miles to deliver a message that simply can’t be ignored: we need a cancer plan that delivers for Yorkshire.” 

The handmade roses were crafted by Whitby-based artist Sophie Longhurst, each symbolising a commitment to a fairer future for people facing cancer.