“Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, so the more we do to help fund new research in Yorkshire, the better.” – Kate’s experience

Kate Moore, from Ripon, had just celebrated her 40th birthday in June 2024 when she first discovered a lump in her breast. Despite having no other symptoms, she made a vital decision to get an appointment booked with her GP.

Kate said: “I was too young for routine mammograms, had no family history and felt fit and healthy.  On paper, I didn’t think I would be at risk. However my friend had recently been diagnosed, so I knew it was important to get it checked. Hearing it was cancer, and just after I turned 40, was a complete shock.” 

A mammogram and biopsy confirmed Kate had hormone receptor positive breast cancer. She was fast-tracked for surgery and underwent a mastectomy a month later. Unfortunately, further tests showed the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, requiring another operation in September, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

She said: “From June 2024 to March 2025, the treatment felt relentless: surgery after surgery, oncology appointments, back-to-back chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It was a difficult time, but I can’t fault the care I received under the NHS.”

Kate completed her hospital treatment in March 2025 and was prescribed a hormone therapy called Tamoxifen to reduce the risk of breast cancer returning. This pioneering drug, which helps treat and prevent cancer, was developed with the help of grants from Yorkshire Cancer Research in the 1970s. Today, Tamoxifen has been used by millions of people around the world and is recognised by the World Health Organisation as one of the most essential treatments for the disease.

In April, Kate returned to her role as Chief of Staff at the Royal Air Force Leeming, where she has worked for four years.

She said: “The support my husband and I have received since my diagnosis has been incredible. His squadron made sure he could attend all my appointments and help with childcare. The whole air force really stepped up, which meant so much during a time that felt quite bleak. To make sure I was ready for work, I had an occupational assessment and was supported by the most wonderful nurse.”

Home life in North Yorkshire has been a source of strength for Kate. She and her husband, who also serves in the RAF, have lived in Ripon for 13 years, raising three children.

She said: “We’re not originally from here, but we’ve been lucky to call Yorkshire our home for many years - and our eldest was born on Yorkshire Day! It was a tough time during my cancer treatment and because we moved to Yorkshire for our military careers, we don’t have family close by. However, we had our little bubble and everyone was so resilient. Getting the kids to school and spending precious time with them was what kept me going during the hardest parts of my treatment.”

She continued: “Throughout my cancer treatment, we made sure to be as open and honest with each other as possible. On Boxing Day, the kids even helped shave my head. Losing my hair meant I didn’t look like “normal mum” but having them there brought us even closer.”

As someone who was very active before her diagnosis, Kate made sure to exercise during and after her cancer treatment. 

She said: “I was super fit beforehand, and while I’m not back to the same intensity as before, my mindset around health and fitness has never changed. Exercise has been a lifeline for me. I love running on the North Yorkshire Moors and I’ve started reformer Pilates to build strength. I am making progress all the time. I am not healed, but I am healing.”

During a recent session in her local cancer support group, Kate was delighted to hear about the benefits a cancer exercise treatment service called Active Together was bringing to people in her community. The service is funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research and helps people with cancer prepare for and recover from their treatment.

Kate is now back to a full-time role as Chief of Staff at RAF Leeming, where she plans and leads the communications and engagement work across the station’s units. Last year, she represented RAF Leeming at Ripon cathedral during the Festival of Remembrance Parade, accompanied by her eldest son, who recently joined the RAF Cadets.

She said: “It’s been a hectic but exciting year as we celebrate our 85th anniversary, and I feel so grateful to be back full-time. Seeing my son by my side at this year’s Remembrance Parade, after everything we’ve been through, was incredibly special. I think he was very proud too.”

“RAF Leeming chose Yorkshire Cancer Research as a charity partner last year because of the experiences of myself and fellow colleagues. That makes me feel quite emotional! Everyone knows someone – a family, friend, or colleague – who has been affected by cancer, so the more we do to help fund new research in Yorkshire, the better.” 

When asked why supporting the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research is so important, Kate said: