Yorkshire Cancer Research celebrates volunteers helping to save lives

Hundreds of volunteers across the region are helping to bring more cancer cures to people in Yorkshire.  

Over the past year, volunteers at Yorkshire Cancer Research have contributed 27,000 hours to help fund pioneering research and innovative services for people with cancer in Yorkshire, and beyond.  

To mark Volunteers’ Week (2 – 6 June), Yorkshire Cancer Research is celebrating the volunteers who, for 100 years, have united in one goal: a Yorkshire free from cancer. This includes friendly faces at the till in Yorkshire Cancer Research shops, behind-the-scenes heroes sorting out donations, committed local volunteer groups and encouraging cheer squads at challenge events.  

Together their selfless efforts are helping save lives in Yorkshire - now and in the future. 

"I volunteer to give hope to my son's generation" - Vallentyne Mazorodze, Leeds

50-year-old Vallentyne joined Yorkshire Cancer Research as a volunteer when he moved from South Africa to Leeds with his family in 2022. For him, volunteering isn’t just about giving back – it’s about passing something forward.

Vallentyne said: “Having volunteered for a cancer research charity in Zimbabwe, I came to the UK looking for something similar. What mattered to me was finding a role that directly involved and impacted people local to me. Equally important was finding a cause that my son could get behind.”

Vallentyne first started working behind the scenes at the charity’s Leeds retail shop in January 2023, before he began volunteering at fundraising events with his 12-year-old son, Christian. Together, they ring cowbells and cheer on runners to lift their spirits through the final stretch of races, including the Yorkshire Marathon.

“I wanted to show my son what it meant to dedicate his time to supporting a charity that helps others. Volunteering at these events together was a chance for us to bond and have fun while teaching him the importance of fundraising for vital cancer research.”

Vallentyne brings his experience of working in the heart of Leeds communities to his latest volunteer role on the Research Advisory Panel. Here, he works with people across Yorkshire to review funding applications for cancer research programmes, bringing with him the vital perspectives of those living in areas with high levels of deprivation – where cancer outcomes are often poorer.

Vallentyne has dedicated much of his time to support life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire and hopes to pass this commitment on to his son. He concluded: “It makes me so proud to see my son getting involved in volunteering and supporting vital cancer research that saves lives close to home. Yorkshire Cancer Research gives me hope that my son’s generation will be closer to a cancer-free future.” 

“I volunteer to process my grief” - George Gibson, Hull 

77-year-old retired purchasing manager George Gibson from Hedon started volunteering at the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Hull to make a meaningful change in his life. Over the past twelve months, eight people close to George sadly passed away including his wife Yvonne, who had peritoneal cancer, a rare cancer found in the lining of the abdomen.  

He said: “It has been a difficult year, and I struggled to cope with losing so many loved ones over such a short space of time. At the start of 2025, I decided I needed to do something to help me cope with my grief.  I also wanted to give something back for all the support Yvonne received whilst undergoing cancer treatment. Volunteering at Yorkshire Cancer Research gave me the opportunity to do both those things.”

Volunteering twice a week at the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Princes Quay in Hull has given George a new sense of purpose and belonging. He particularly enjoys talking to others also affected by cancer.

“Spending time in the shop takes my mind off everything. I’ve learnt so many new skills like steaming the clothes and using the till, and I like pricing and laying out the kitchenware, CDs and books on the shelves. Most of all, the shop team are fantastic. They’ve been there for me since the beginning and speaking to each other about our shared experiences is like therapy.”

George continued: “Cancer affects everybody, and you never know when it’s going to affect you. Every act of support, no matter how big or small, makes a difference. That’s why I would encourage anyone to become a volunteer at Yorkshire Cancer Research, so they can help people with cancer and their families.” 

“I volunteer to turn my own cancer experience into support for others” - Jacquie MacLeod, Harrogate

After moving to Yorkshire six years ago, 61-year-old Jacquie MacLeod stepped through the doors of the Harrogate Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre for a coffee and a browse in the shop. She came out with a volunteering role, eager to help other people who had similarly been affected by cancer.  

Jacquie said: “I was first told I had breast cancer 15 years ago, and after recovering from surgery, I was then diagnosed with leukaemia and had a stem cell transplant four years later. All the treatment I received has been a result of research, so for me, it’s so important we continue to raise funds for more life-saving treatments.”

Jacquie volunteers for a few hours at the Hornbeam Park shop once a week, hanging clothes, organising the displays, using the till and interacting with the local community.

“I’m always astounded at the donations we receive, and the generosity of customers. Many people I speak to at the shop have told me about their own cancer experience, so every shift I do reminds me why volunteering for life-saving cancer research really matters.”

At the end of a volunteering shift, Jacquie always makes sure to recuperate by treating herself to a cake and coffee at the cafe in the Yorkshire Cancer Research centre. During this time, she’ll often reflect on where she is following her own cancer experience and the fulfilment she now gets from supporting a charity that is helping people survive cancer.

She continued: “I like to be a smiley, happy person, and want to be remembered for helping people. In that way, volunteering at Yorkshire Cancer Research fulfils me.”

“I volunteer to help find new ways to detect cancer early” - Jan Jagger, Bridlington 

Jan Jagger has been a member of the Yorkshire Cancer Research local volunteer group in Bridlington for over three decades. Since her first Yorkshire Cancer Research fundraising event in 1993, the 78-year-old has organised a range of community events, including 22 ballroom dance events.  

Jan joined the Bridlington local volunteer group after her father sadly passed away from late-stage lung cancer in 1991, meaning there were limited treatment options available to him. Since then, Jan has remained committed to supporting the life-saving work of Yorkshire Cancer Research and raising funds that will help find new ways to diagnose cancer early, so more lives can be saved.

She said: “Funding new innovations in screening is incredibly important because, as I saw with my dad, early-stage diagnosis is absolutely vital. It’s been amazing to watch as the charity has evolved, growing to support the people in Yorkshire and beyond, and that’s in part thanks to our volunteering efforts.”

Jan became Chair of the Bridlington local volunteer group in 2010 and has helped the group raise over £2 million for life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire. While she has many fond memories from fundraising, her first event back in 1993 will always hold a special place in her heart.

Jan said: “My husband and I used to love to go dancing with the London-based Joe Loss Orchestra, so we wanted to bring an event as special as this to Yorkshire. We began organising a dance at the Spa Royal Hall in Bridlington, but it was a lot of work for just two people. That’s when, by chance, the founding member of the Bridlington volunteer group walked through the doors of my shop! The committee sorted out the raffle for us and helped ensure the event was a huge success. I’ve been a member ever since.”

She concluded: “I remember standing on the stage that night and looking up at the lights. I knew my dad was there looking down on me, and I knew he would be proud that I was helping to raise money for life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire.”

“I volunteer to learn new skills and have fun” - Samuel Bergin, Skipton  

14-year-old Samuel Bergin from Skipton is a passionate cook and an active member of his triathlon club. He is also one of the youngest volunteers at Yorkshire Cancer Research, helping the charity with its mission to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire.  

Looking for a volunteering opportunity to support his Duke of Edinburgh award, Samuel began helping out at the charity’s Skipton shop in March 2025, learning new skills and sorting out the donations every Sunday.  

He said: “When I first started as a volunteer, the shop team immediately made me feel welcome, and they’ve taught me a lot, such as how to operate the till and organising items for display on the shop floor. It’s been fun, especially because it’s a nice, spacious place to work. My mum loves charity shops, so I’ve told her about lots of good things she can buy!”

Samuel also wanted to support the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research following his aunty sadly passing away from breast cancer in November 2022.  

He said: “Sadly, too many people and their families are affected by cancer, including mine.  It was important to me to volunteer at Yorkshire Cancer Research – to help others who may have gone through something similar to my family.”

Having come to the end of his three-month placement for the Duke of Edinburgh award, Samuel wants to continue to volunteer at the Yorkshire Cancer Research Skipton shop.

He concluded “The experience has given me a massive boost of confidence, and I’ve developed skills that can help with many careers in the future. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far.”

Thank you to all the volunteers at Yorkshire Cancer Research who are helping to save lives every day.