"In Yorkshire, we look out for one another, and that's why I'll always support research that benefits people with cancer in our region." – Ros's experience

When Ros Carthy from Harrogate first became involved with Yorkshire Cancer Research in 2008, she already understood the huge benefits clinical trials can bring to people affected by cancer.

With more than 20 years’ experience in clinical research, Ros had worked with NHS Trusts across the country to set up and manage pioneering cancer trials. She saw first‑hand how they could improve recovery from treatment and quality of life for people with cancer, while also helping to shape future advancements in cancer treatments.  

Knowing how vital research is for saving lives, Ros was eager to raise funds to support more of this work so that more people in Yorkshire can benefit from potentially lifesaving opportunities in cancer research.

Since joining the Wharfedale local volunteer group in 2008, Ros has dedicated 18 years to raising vital funds and awareness for Yorkshire Cancer Research, becoming Chair of the group in 2014. Thanks to the ongoing commitment of its members, the Wharfedale group has raised over £395,000 since its foundation in 1971 to help bring new cancer cures to the region.

Ros said: “I spent a lot of my career travelling the country, during which time I saw cancer inequalities that troubled me. It was clear that Yorkshire didn’t have the same facilities as other parts of the UK. Research nurses in the region didn’t always know if their jobs would last when funding ran out. There was a clear gap, and I became passionate about wanting to help close it.” 

Clinical trials matter to Ros because they offer people hope by giving them access to innovative treatments that might not otherwise be available.

She said: “Clinical trials are so important because they can give people an extra chance. Yorkshire had fewer opportunities for cancer research back then, and although things are improving, we’re still not where we want to be.”

Yorkshire represents nearly 8% of the UK’s population yet receives only 5% of health research funding. This means fewer people in the region can benefit from the opportunity to trial innovative new treatments.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is currently funding 26 clinical trials. The charity is taking action to bring clinical research to the region so people in Yorkshire can be among the first to benefit from advances in the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.   

During the final years of her career, Ros helped bring a pioneering bowel cancer trial called FOxTROT 1 to people in Yorkshire and across the country. The study showed that giving people chemotherapy before surgery can reduce complications from surgery and reduce the likelihood of the cancer coming back.  

Building on this success, Yorkshire Cancer Research is funding the FOxTROT 2 and 3 trials. Hundreds of newly diagnosed people with bowel cancer have already signed up to take part in these ground-breaking research trials which could save many lives.

The trials, led by researchers at the University of Leeds and the University of Birmingham, investigate whether giving chemotherapy before surgery benefits certain groups of people with bowel cancer. One trial looks at whether people over 70 or with other significant medical conditions also benefit from having chemotherapy before surgery. The other explores whether a more intense course of chemotherapy before surgery works better than the usual chemotherapy treatment for people who are younger and fitter.  

Ros said: "The FOxTROT 2 and 3 trials are just one example of how groundbreaking research starting in Yorkshire can save lives here and around the world. I feel very positive about the future knowing work like this is happening.”

Alongside the passion for clinical research she carried from her professional life, Ros’s personal experience also motivated her to support the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research.  

In 2006, two years before joining the Wharfedale local volunteer group, her husband Mike was diagnosed with stage 4 blood cancer. 

She said: “It was a whirlwind and a huge shock for our whole family, especially our three sons. Mike became very ill very quickly: he lost weight, had severe bone pain and no appetite. It was terrifying for the boys.”

Mike began an intensive course of treatment consisting of eight cycles of chemotherapy followed by targeted cancer drug therapy. During his treatment, the family found comfort in an unexpected addition to their home.

Ros said: “Our son brought home a dog. We called him Tooks; a playful nod to rituximab, the cancer drug Mike was taking. It wasn’t just the treatment that helped Mike recover; it was the dog too. Animals work wonders for the mind and body. We all bonded so much during those difficult times.”

Thankfully, Mike’s treatment was successful and nearly 20 years later, he remains cancer-free.  

Since becoming a committed Yorkshire Cancer Research volunteer, Ros has loved hosting a variety of fun events in her local community and meeting many wonderful people along the way.  

She said: “From selling my first Christmas fundraising lunch tickets to now, in my 12th year as Chair, I’ve made so many special memories and friends while raising vital funds - what more could you want? It’s so fulfilling knowing you’re helping make a real difference to people in our region. We see people who return to help raise funds time and again, but we’re also welcoming new faces too. Community really matters here.”

The Wharfedale local volunteer group covers a large area, including Guiseley and Burley-in-Wharfedale. It is known in the community for its lively events, from coffee mornings and speaker lunches to fashion shows and quizzes.

She said: “Some of my favourite events have been our Yorkshire Day cream tea lunches and a fashion show we held at Otley Golf Club. Many of the ladies from the group got involved. The outfit changes behind the scenes were a bit frantic, but we loved every moment!” 

As 2026 begins, Ros remains as dedicated as ever to help bring life-saving clinical trials and research to people in Yorkshire.  

She concluded: “More people in Yorkshire should have the chance to take part in and benefit from research, and it should not have to be a postcode lottery. When people ask me, ‘Why Yorkshire Cancer Research’, I say, ‘Because it’s Yorkshire, and people in my region should have the best possible chance of surviving cancer.’