“Even in the smallest Yorkshire towns, the biggest hearts can make a world of difference to people with cancer”

For over 75 years, people in local volunteer groups across Yorkshire have worked tirelessly to support life-saving cancer research, helping more people across the region survive cancer. Among these dedicated groups is the Driffield Local Volunteer Group, which since its founding in 1979, has raised over £1.2 million to help Yorkshire Cancer Research bring pioneering cancer research to people in Yorkshire.

From carol concerts and coffee mornings to packed-out village hall quizzes, the Driffield group has always found ways to put the fun in fundraising. Former Chair Liz Pexton, who joined the group in 1982, reflects on the cherished memories and the generosity of the local community that made their fundraising efforts so impactful.

One of the group’s flagship events was the Driffield Steam Rally, run by the East Riding Engine Club for 30 years. The rally saw thousands of people come and watch hundreds of vintage engines and tractors parade through the town.

“The steam rally became a cornerstone of our fundraising calendar. One year, we raised £3,200 in just 90 minutes! It was a brilliant feeling knowing those donations would help fund vital cancer research right here in Yorkshire.”

Another standout event was the pig racing in the 1990s, thanks to friends at Cruckley Animal Farm.

“They trained the pigs, gave them ridiculous names and sponsored the races. It was hilarious, and everyone had so much fun. Events like that made us memorable and people always asked when our next event was. That’s the sign of a good local voluntary group I think.”

But the group’s success wasn’t just about raising money – it was about connection.

In East Riding of Yorkshire, around 49 people are diagnosed with cancer every week and sadly, around 22 people die. Yorkshire Cancer Research is dedicated to funding research and innovative cancer services, so people in Yorkshire live longer, healthier lives, free from cancer.

The charity works with 710 researchers and cancer experts, bringing vital expertise to the region and giving 175,000 people the opportunity to take part in innovative research and services.

Over the years, the Driffield Local Volunteer Group made sure to stay informed about the research they were helping to fund. In the 1990s, they visited Professor Maitland in York to learn about his pioneering work in prostate cancer. They also attended a lunch with the late Professor Jo Milner, whose groundbreaking research into a protein called ‘P53’ led to a breakthrough in cervical cancer treatment.

“Hearing directly from researchers was a real eye-opener. It reminded us why our fundraising mattered and inspired us to keep going.”

Many of the group’s fondest memories are tied to their time fundraising with Jill, a talented sculptor and beloved group member who sadly passed away from brain cancer five years ago. Jill joined the group in 1984 after her husband was diagnosed with cancer the year before.

Liz said: “Jill was at the heart of our meetings. She was so funny, full of life and deeply passionate about Yorkshire Cancer Research. She helped raise the charity’s profile locally and made a lasting impact.”

Jill’s legacy lives on at Castle Hill Hospital in Hull, where her sculpture, Arthur, sits outside the Queens Centre for Oncology and Haematology. Her final wish was for Arthur to be placed at the hospital to welcome visitors and bring comfort to patients and families. In honour of her request, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust made a donation to Yorkshire Cancer Research and has hosted the sculpture ever since.

“People going for cancer treatment can sit with Arthur and talk to him. Hopefully, they find comfort in speaking to him, just like we all did with Jill."

Looking ahead, Liz believes it is vital that local volunteer groups can continue the charity’s mission to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire. While the Driffield group continues its important work under current Chair Louise Reevell, Liz hopes that younger generations will also pick up the torch and continue to raise money to bring more pioneering cancer research to people across the region.

She concluded: “The group has changed a lot over the years, but the community spirit is still there. With the right hearts and minds, I believe the work to support Yorkshire Cancer Research in Driffield can continue with great success. Even in the smallest Yorkshire towns, the biggest hearts can make a world of difference to people with cancer.”