Yorkshire Cancer Research invites people in Yorkshire to shop sustainably and help save lives

Yorkshire Cancer Research is encouraging people in Yorkshire to give second-hand shopping a go during Sustainable Fashion Week and help bring more cancer cures to people in the region.

People in Yorkshire looking to shop pre-loved fashion can explore a treasure trove of high-quality ladies’, men’s and children’s clothing by visiting their nearest Yorkshire Cancer Research shop.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, more than 114,000 items of clothing have found new homes through Yorkshire Cancer Research shops so far this year – many of these items may otherwise have found their way into landfill.

Yorkshire Cancer Research currently has 15 shops across the region, with three more set to open in Skipton, Scarborough and Sheffield by the end of 2025. The charity has ambitious plans to have a shop on every high street in Yorkshire, giving people across the region the opportunity to buy, wear and donate second-hand while contributing to life-saving cancer research.

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Every week in Yorkshire, over 31,000 people are diagnosed with cancer and sadly, 13,000 people die. Every purchase made in a Yorkshire Cancer Research shops helps the charity find new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in the region, and beyond.

Goodness Woodhead, Fashion Designer from Castleford

Goodness Woodhead, a fashion designer from Castleford, is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion. She runs community fashion events and upcycling classes for women from all backgrounds. In May 2025, she visited the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Castleford in search of pre-loved denim for an upcycling-themed fashion show and left with a bag of denim rags that couldn’t be sold.

She said: “I wanted to support a cause at the same time, so I headed down Castleford High Street. When I walked into the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop, the team were so friendly and supportive. I left with a big bag of denim rags and turned them into something special.” 

Through her community work, Goodness has supported women affected by cancer by designing outfits that help restore their confidence and inviting them to model her creations in community fashion shows. 

Goodness hopes to inspire others to embrace second-hand shopping and recognise the vital role that Yorkshire Cancer Research shops play in helping bring pioneering cancer research to people in Yorkshire.

She said: “Buying second-hand means you’re not just saving clothes from landfill - you’re helping to save lives. I encourage everyone to step into their nearest Yorkshire Cancer Research shop, do their bit to reduce waste and discover the magic of giving old items a new lease of life. By purchasing just one item, you are helping to support people in Yorkshire affected by cancer.” 

Aimee McMillan, Recruitment Officer at Yorkshire Cancer Research

Aimee McMillan, from Knaresborough, works as a Retail Recruitment Officer at Yorkshire Cancer Research, but her connection to the charity started after both her engagement and wedding rings were purchased from its Harrogate shop. 

After joining the Retail team in 2023, Aimee is now helping to build a team to support the charity’s fast-growing retail network, bringing the charity’s mission to life on high streets across the region. 

Janet Doemling and Gill Harrison, Shop Volunteers

Yorkshire Cancer Research is funding £64 million of cancer research and services, helping, more people in Yorkshire live longer, healthier, cancer-free lives.  Thanks to the commitment of researchers, supporters and volunteers, the charity is bringing life-giving medical breakthroughs to the region, helping more people survive cancer - in Yorkshire, and beyond.

Two committed volunteers are Janet Doemling and Gill Harrison, who both work at the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Knaresborough. Alongside sorting donations and welcoming customers, Janet and Gill work together to clean and restore donated items that require minimal repairs, ensuring every piece they mend is fit for resale and presented in its best condition. 

Gill said: “The Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Knaresborough provides a vital source of income for cancer research, so that more treatments and cures can be discovered in Yorkshire. But the benefits don’t stop there. The shops also help keep clothes out of landfill and can often make things affordable for people. Thanks to one generous donation, I was able to make minor repairs to a luxury cashmere jumper which was sold for a very reasonable price, making one shopper very happy! Even with a repair label, it’s still a warm, beautiful jumper that someone can enjoy for years.” 

A few years after Gill joined, Janet walked into the Knaresborough shop on a rainy Tuesday afternoon to ask the manager if the shop needed any volunteers. It was Janet’s first winter after losing her husband to cancer. To help her cope, she went searching for a way to connect with people and support a worthy cause. 

Janet said: “I have always loved buying my clothes from charity shops. It’s more interesting, cheaper, and helps make a difference. After my husband and sister-in-law's experiences with cancer, I knew I wanted to help fund cancer research in Yorkshire. The Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Knaresborough felt like where I belonged.”