White Rose Ride: Tanfield Brothers Back Campaign to Tackle Yorkshire Cancer Inequalities

Yorkshire professional cyclists Charlie and Harry Tanfield are set to support a campaign led by Yorkshire Cancer Research that asks the Government to address long-standing regional cancer inequalities.  

The Great Ayton brothers, whose achievements include Olympic, Commonwealth, World and European medals, national titles and elite race stage wins, will cycle hundreds of white roses to Westminster. The roses have been pledged by the charity’s supporters to urge the Government to properly consider Yorkshire in its upcoming National Cancer Plan.

Charlie and Harry, who lost their mum in 2019 following an operation to remove a cancerous tumour, are taking on the two-day challenge to support the charity’s aim to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment in Yorkshire.

The 400km (250 mile) route will begin at the Yorkshire Cancer Research centre in Harrogate, on 8 September, and stop off at Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, home to the charity’s research-backed cancer exercise service Active Together, which has helped more than 2,000 people in Yorkshire prepare for and recover from treatment.  

After an overnight stop, the Tanfields are expected to arrive at Westminster around lunchtime the following day.

The brothers have previously supported Yorkshire Cancer Research’s fundraising campaigns and chose the charity as one of the benefitting causes for their Tanfield Tour of Yorkshire event.  

Harry Tanfield said: “We’re proud to support Yorkshire Cancer Research again, especially for a cause so close to our hearts. Cycling these white roses to Westminster is our way of standing up for Yorkshire and making sure the region gets the support it urgently needs. 

The white roses will be a mix of paper flowers crafted by Whitby-based artist Sophie Longhurst and handmade flowers contributed by the charity’s employees and volunteers.

Sophie said: “Having recently lost two friends to cancer, I have seen first-hand the devastating impact it can have, and I understand how important research is. Playing a part in this campaign feels very special to me both as an artist, and as someone deeply rooted in Yorkshire. Handcrafting each rose is my way of honouring those affected by cancer and showing my support for the region and its people.”  

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.  

It follows the publication of Yorkshire Cancer Research’s White Rose Cancer Report, which is a review of evidence that highlights the most urgent action required so more people in Yorkshire and beyond can live longer healthier lives, free from cancer. Nearly 30 MPs and Peers have come together to sign a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting commending the report.

Every 17 minutes, someone in Yorkshire is told they have cancer, and people in the region are more likely to get cancer and more likely to die from cancer than almost anywhere else in England.

Despite making up 8% of the UK population, Yorkshire receives less than 5% of national health research funding. The charity is calling for the Government’s upcoming cancer plan to address this imbalance by ensuring that funding for research, clinical trials and infrastructure is distributed equitably, prioritising areas with the highest levels of need.  

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “We are so grateful to Charlie and Harry for lending their support once again. This campaign is about making sure Yorkshire’s voice is heard in Westminster.  

Members of the public can sign up to support the campaign and send a symbolic white rose to their MP via the Yorkshire Cancer Research website.