17 minutes, 17 voices

"Seeing people we love with cancer reminds us how important it is to keep going, to keep raising money. Our first direct experience was when Gordon’s mother became ill with breast cancer in 1957. Back then, people didn’t have access to the same treatments they have now."

“The treatment my mum is having is strong, but hopefully, by raising more money we can find even stronger treatments and new ones that can cure cancers like my mum’s. One day I hope we can take cancer away once and for all.”

"If possible, I would like to be an example that you can live life to the full with cancer. Since my diagnosis, I grab opportunities, rather than saying ‘I’ll do that next month, I’ll do that next year’. I love music, so now whenever the chance comes up, I try and see bands I love when they’re performing. I don’t want to turn those chances down."

"My Masters and PhD research projects sparked my passion for giving a voice to those who are not often represented in cancer research yet have poorer outcomes from cancer. I thought to myself something more needs to be done to improve the representation of underserved communities in cancer research, one of many avenues to reduce cancer inequalities. I am glad to be part of a team that is doing that."

"I firmly believe I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for the exercise treatment and how it improved both my physical and my mental health. My cancer treatment caused me to completely lose the ability to move; I couldn’t even dress or feed myself. The programme really helped me get myself moving and walking again."

“Researchers are always looking for cures, and we can’t lose sight of that here in Yorkshire. Finding cures is a vital strand of cancer research, but it doesn’t come cheaply or quickly. However, we are standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, and for that, I feel hopeful.”

"I recently spoke with someone who was diagnosed with lung cancer after taking part in the trial in 2019. Thankfully, her cancer was detected early, and she was successfully treated. She told me how much she’s enjoying life now. Knowing I’ve played a part in giving people more moments to enjoy is a very special feeling."

"I can see how much cancer treatment has improved in the 20 years between my wife’s diagnosis and my own, and I want to help support research that can continue to improve survival and treatment methods."

"As a Research Advisory Panel member, I used my lived experience of cancer to assist the charity and assess whether research projects met the charity’s aim. It was mind-blowing to hear about all the innovative cancer research happening in Yorkshire. It’s given me great hope for a future where cancer becomes something we detect early, cure or manage with fewer side-effects and longer survival."

“I want to be a voice for hope, a voice for belief and a voice for change. If I can even be a little part of the charity’s mission to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Yorkshire, then I’m very happy to be that voice.”

“Now I’ve seen where the money goes, I’m even more passionate about fundraising and spreading the word. It takes all of us coming together – the researchers, the fundraisers and the people with cancer – to help save lives in Yorkshire and beyond.”

"I’m inspired by the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research and its commitment to bring clinical research to people in Yorkshire. I’ve seen why it’s vital that researchers are based within the communities they serve, as they understand the unique needs of that population. It’s fantastic to see how people with cancer are truly at the heart of the charity’s work.”

"Kristina loved a good party and wanted us to have a big celebration of her life after she passed away. She left us special instructions to have lots of fun, music and food, take lots of selfies and write messages and memories. We want to make the future look brighter for others and put our energy towards making a difference. Kristina would have wanted that too."

"Every time on my way to radiotherapy at Weston Park Hospital, I passed the steps of the university’s watching people in their graduation caps and gowns. I made it my mission to finish treatment and stand on those steps. Breast cancer changed my life, but with Yorkshire Cancer Research funding, I hope my research will help change the lives of others."

"Like most people, I believe my mum was the best mum in the world. I have so much to thank her for in making me who and what I am today. I wanted to do something in her memory that may help alleviate the suffering of others, even in a small way. What better way to do that than support Yorkshire Cancer Research?"

"More cancer prevention research means my daughter could have choices I didn’t. The more options she has, the better her future could be, and I believe that exploring methods like PARP inhibitors could mean that in 10 years’ time, my daughter won’t have to worry about cancer."