“Donating to help more people live free of cancer is my way of making a difference to others.” – John’s experience

For decades, quiet acts of generosity from people across Yorkshire have helped drive the life-saving progress in cancer research taking place in the region.

Among those dedicated supporters is 81-year-old John Lister from Sheffield, who has donated to support the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research every month for the last 40 years. John’s motto is a simple one:

“We’re on this earth to do good and help one another. Life is about being with people, so any way I can support others, I’m happy to do.” 

John has spent his life helping his community in Sheffield. Alongside a career in nursing, he was Chair of the Sheffield Citizen Advocacy group, helping to give people with learning disabilities a voice. A passionate Yorkshire sports fan, he also enjoyed 13 years as Chair of the Cricket Society.

When asked why he first got involved with the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research, John said: “I’m very loyal to Sheffield, and proud to be a Yorkshireman. I love to talk about Yorkshire and all the good there is here, from the natural beauty to the hardworking people. It’s what initially drew me to Yorkshire Cancer Research – it’s a cancer charity for our region.”

When John makes a monthly donation, he is inspired by a special person in his life.  

He said: “Everything I believe in comes from my mum. I have so much to thank her for in making me who I am today. Growing up in care meant she faced difficult years, yet she became a loving, devoted parent who made sure I had a different childhood to her own. 

When I was made redundant, she was the one who encouraged me to start training as a nurse. People often say their mum is the best, but I truly believe mine was.” 

John’s mum sadly passed away from bowel cancer in 1985, and he struggled in the years that followed.

“My mum died three weeks before I received my final nursing qualification results. Back then, bowel cancer treatments weren’t as effective as they are today. It greatly saddens me she wasn’t there to see what I’d achieved.”

Inspired by his mum’s kindness, donating to support pioneering cancer research became a meaningful way John felt he could cope with her absence.  

He said: “Donating was the only thing I knew I could do. The idea my money could help fund research that ensures somebody else doesn’t have to go through the pain my mum did was greatly comforting.” 

Since 1925, Yorkshire Cancer Research has united with researchers, cancer experts and people in Yorkshire to bring cancer cures to the region. The charity currently funds £75 million of cancer research and services, finding new and better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer.

John said: “It’s unbelievable to look back on how much bowel cancer treatments have advanced in the last four decades. I lost my mum when she was 75, and I’m thankful for the years we had with each other. I have hope in research giving families more time together.”

Many of John’s fondest memories are of time spent with his mum, including visiting the seaside and watching the Scarborough Spa Orchestra.  

John said: “My mum and dad first took me to see the orchestra when I was 10. 70 years later, I still love their performances.” 

Scarborough remains an important place for John as it’s where he also spent many happy holidays with his wife, Maureen.  

“Maureen and I continued my parents’ wonderful hobby of people-watching. We would walk along the promenade, stopping to look at the families playing cricket on the beach and enjoying themselves.”

Our favourite place was Peasholme Park. I remember one balmy summer’s evening; there was a beautiful bandstand concert on the lake with a giant firework display afterwards. Whenever I return to Scarborough now, I sit in Peasholme Park to remember that night.”

Maureen sadly passed away in 2020 after 14 loving years together with John. As well as donating to life-saving cancer research, John pays tribute to Maureen and his mum through words and music.

John said: "I wrote a song called ‘Shining Star’, telling the story of how Maureen and I first met back in 1984 and then reconnected during a chance encounter more than 20 years later. Singing those lyrics allows me to remember Maureen, like how I always think of my mum when I donate to support the work Yorkshire Cancer Research.” 

John’s commitment to supporting pioneering cancer research is also shaped by his own experience of cancer. John was first diagnosed with leukaemia in 2017. After eight years free from signs of cancer, John was told last year it had unfortunately returned.  

He said: “The last few months have been difficult. My ability to get out and about is more limited now because the chemotherapy tablets make me quite tired. I’m still feeling positive and grateful though. If people hadn’t done the research, I wouldn’t be here today.

John finds his life philosophy of giving helps him through even the toughest of periods. 

He said: "If you can help just one person spend more time with their loved ones, that’s something to be proud of. Donating to help more people live free of cancer is my way of making a difference to others.”

John concluded sharing his experience with the last part of ‘Shining Star’, the song he dedicated to Maureen:

You never sought the limelight,

But we all know who you are,

You are up there with the best of them

Always a shining star

Now we know you are at peace 

And thankfully pain free 

Your legacy on this earth lives on 

Is plain for all to see 

Family and friends so sad you passed away 

But just like me they think of you 

Every moment, every day