Yorkshire Cancer Research wraps up 100 years of life-saving progress

As Yorkshire Cancer Research wraps up its centenary, the charity is paying tribute to the remarkable dedication and generosity of people who, for 100 years, have helped to save lives in Yorkshire, and beyond.

Showcasing highlights and milestones from its special centenary book, A century of saving lives, the charity is reflecting on 100 years of pioneering progress and celebrating everyone who has contributed to life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire.

From passionate scientists and enthusiastic fundraisers to committed volunteers and all those affected by cancer, each person has helped make more moments possible for people and their loved ones.

From landmark developments to extraordinary fundraising efforts, here are six memorable events from A century of saving lives where people across the region have united in one goal – a Yorkshire free from cancer. 

Looking back on Wakefield’s pioneering cancer exhibition  

One of Yorkshire Cancer Research’s first projects to improve early diagnosis was a touring cancer exhibition that began in Wakefield in 1927. 

The exhibition was designed to educate communities about cancer and the importance of early detection. Its ambitious aim was to visit every town and village in Yorkshire so that people could “attend in large numbers to learn how they may help to slay the dragon cancer.”

Wakefield hosted the first week-long event, which featured models, pamphlets, posters, demonstrations, consultations, and daily guest speakers.  

Among them was local surgeon J.W. Thomson, who urged the public to act quickly if they suspected cancer:

“There are hundreds of cases of patients who have come under my notice at Clayton Hospital who have been really cured by early operation.”

The success of the Wakefield exhibition prompted the charity to take the initiative across Yorkshire, visiting Normanton, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Castleford, Bradford, Doncaster, Rotherham, and other locations. By May, the impact was clear. Sir Berkeley Moynihan reported:

Word of the project’s success even reached overseas, with the Australian Health Minister requesting full details to replicate the initiative.

This landmark effort laid the foundation for the charity’s commitment to improving early diagnosis across Yorkshire – a mission that continues today through pioneering clinical trials and research that are helping more people live longer, healthier, cancer-free lives.  

Recognising the creativity of the Harrogate igloo fundraiser

Among the many fantastic fundraisers who have helped save lives across the region are Craig, Greg, Mark and Carl, four tightknit friends from Harrogate.

In January 2013, they spent a full day building a giant igloo on the Stray during heavy snowfall. The group then decided to list their creation on eBay to raise funds for pioneering cancer research in Yorkshire.  

The igloo was described humorously as “a smartly appointed, ground floor, stand-alone studio apartment with huge garden and easy access to Sunday football”, with thousands of people viewing it online.

The igloo sold for £780 and attracted a further £2,880 of donations to help fund the vital work of Yorkshire Cancer Research.  

Craig wanted to support the charity following his own experience with cancer as a child. He was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma at the age of 13 and underwent extensive treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery to remove part of his shoulder, a lung, and a rib.

Reflecting on the fundraising event, he said: 

Reflecting on the Halifax shop and a remarkable act of generosity  

Helping to lay down the foundations for Yorkshire Cancer Research’s growing retail network, the charity’s first Halifax shop witnessed a number of remarkable people step through its doors.

Actor Richard Thorp, best known for his role as Alan Turner in TV’s Emmerdale, joined employees and volunteers at the official opening of the charity’s new Halifax shop in 1996.  

The Halifax shop quickly became an important source of income for pioneering cancer research in Yorkshire, aiming to raise around £23,000 a year, thanks to the dedication of the Yorkshire Cancer Research Halifax Local Volunteer Group.

At the heart of the effort were husband-and-wife members Jim and Joan Maudsley. Joan’s commitment to cancer research in Yorkshire began after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, aged just 31. She devoted countless hours to fundraising, including selling bags of her homemade “secret recipe” toffee.  

Jim, who was Vice President of the volunteer group, was equally dedicated to support the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research, and together they ran the shop every Wednesday. 

One day, an elderly gentleman bought a jacket for £3. Joan and Jim thought nothing of it, until the following week, when the man, Alfred Ross, returned and presented them with a cheque for almost £6,000. He explained that he had lost his sister and a close friend to cancer and wanted to help.

This extraordinary gesture is just one example of the unwavering generosity and community spirit that has powered the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research for 100 years. 

Commemorating Hull’s milestone MRI breakthrough for cancer research

Over thirty years ago, a pioneering MRI breakthrough in Hull transformed cancer research in Yorkshire and beyond.  

In April 1992, Professor John Malland, the inventor of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, was joined by world-famous magician Paul Daniels, to officially open an innovative facility - the Centre for Magnetic Resonance Investigation at Hull Royal Infirmary.  

The opening was a landmark occasion for cancer research in Yorkshire. Yorkshire Cancer Research provided over £22 million to help fund the pioneering facility, working in partnership with Hull Health Authority and the University of Hull. The centre was hailed as being supported by a multi-disciplinary team “equal to any in the world.”

The Hull facility was the first in Britain to house two MRI machines under one roof - one funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research for research purposes and the other by the NHS for cancer diagnosis.

Within two years, the research machine had proved its worth. A pioneering young physicist, Dr Stephen Blackband, won an international award for producing images deeper into the body than was previously possible and discovered how to increase image quality to show greater anatomical detail. This breakthrough was a vital step forward in improving diagnosis and surgical outcomes, inspiring further life-saving progress by researchers in Britain and America.

Building on this legacy, Yorkshire Cancer Research funds £75 million of pioneering research and services, including 26 clinical trials, to find new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire. 

Remembering Sir Michael Parkinson as Yorkshire Cancer Research Patron  

In 2016, the late Sir Michael Parkinson became patron of Yorkshire Cancer Research. Sir Michael decided to get involved in the charity’s work after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013.

At the time, Sir Michael said: “I am upset that cancer outcomes in the county are not as good as in other parts of the United Kingdom.

To mark his patronage, Yorkshire Cancer Research held a ‘ParkY Run’ at Cannon Hall Farm near Sir Michael’s hometown of Barnsley. Inspired by the growing popularity of Parkruns across the UK, the event welcomed runners of all ages to take part in 2km and 5km courses.

It was the first time Cannon Hall Farm had hosted a running event and setting up the course required some hard work moving livestock but the venue’s Director, Richard Nicholson, was fully committed to the cause. Richard sadly lost his wife, Maxine, to cancer seven years before, at the age of 46.  

Richard explained: “This has strengthened our family’s resolve to support Yorkshire Cancer Research and their efforts to assist the development of treatments for this terrible disease.” 

Sir Michael Parkinson passed away in 2023, drawing heartfelt tributes from around the world.

On behalf of the charity, Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Sir Michael was a staunch supporter of equality for people with cancer, no matter who they are or where they live. By speaking out about his own personal experience he played an important role in both raising awareness of cancer and raising funds for vital research into the disease.”

Celebrating 27 years of Selby’s Tree of Light  

For more than two decades, a cherished fundraising tradition in Selby has made a vital contribution to the pioneering work of Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Thanks to the commitment of the Selby local volunteer group and the community, the Tree of Light has raised more than £28,000 for life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire, giving people and their loved ones more precious time together. This year, the event raised over £1,000. 

First launched in 2004, the festive event invites people to sponsor a light in memory of loved ones, creating a poignant display that shines throughout the Christmas season. Guests attending the annual display of lights are treated to hot drinks, mince pies, and carols, making the event a heartwarming highlight of the festive calendar.

The names of sponsors and their loved ones are recorded in a Book of Remembrance, available to view at Selby Town Hall.  

Secretary of the Selby Local Volunteer Group Kay Enion was inspired to start the celebration after her father passed away from cancer in 1998 and her aunt sponsored a light in his memory on a Christmas tree in Newcastle.

The Selby Volunteer Group was first formed in 1967, and in that time, they have raised a phenomenal £374,000 to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Cancer Research thanks all those - past and present - who have helped bring life-saving cancer research to people in Yorkshire.

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: "2025 has been a truly special year for Yorkshire Cancer Research, marking 100 years of saving lives in Yorkshire. The charity's rich and fascinating history is built on ground-breaking discoveries, unwavering dedication, and the incredible people in Yorkshire who have made it all possible.

"Looking ahead, the charity is committed to working with researchers, supporters and people affected by cancer to find new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in our region. Progress is being made all the time, but sadly, Yorkshire remains one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.