“It takes all of us coming together – the researchers, the fundraisers and the people with cancer – to help save lives in Yorkshire.” – Emma’s experience

For more than a decade, Emma Jackson has been a dedicated member of the Galtres local volunteer group, organising quizzes, cake stalls and many more fundraising events to support the life-saving work of Yorkshire Cancer Research.

But after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022, Emma started contributing to pioneering cancer research in a new and deeply personal way.  

After finishing her treatment, Emma became a Patient Representative on the Yorkshire Cancer Research Bowel Cancer Improvement Programme, giving her a chance to see the impact of her fundraising first-hand. Today, she works alongside cancer researchers, ensuring the needs and voices of people with cancer across Yorkshire are heard. 

Emma led a full and busy life on her farm in York before things changed in January 2022. She had also celebrated a joyous milestone: the birth of her first grandchild.  

Emma said: “I went in for a colonoscopy appointment and left with a cancer diagnosis. It was such a shock. I remember having to break the news to my husband who was waiting in the car. That was the worst moment for me.”

Emma underwent surgery to remove the cancer followed by three months of chemotherapy.

She said: “I got my blinkers on and put everything into treatment. It hits you like a wrecking ball and it was hard not being as involved as I wanted with my daughter and new grandson. Looking forward to visiting them in between treatments was what kept me going.”

Thankfully, Emma’s treatment was successful. Shortly afterwards, she completed a questionnaire as part of a University of Leeds study, sharing details of her cancer treatment and care. Little did she know, she would later become a Patient Representative on that very study: the Yorkshire Cancer Research Bowel Cancer Improvement Programme.

Across Yorkshire, the way hospitals diagnose and treat bowel cancer can vary significantly. The Bowel Cancer Improvement Programme aims to understand and address these differences, helping to give everyone in the region access to the same high-quality treatment and care - no matter who they are or where they live.

As a Patient Representative on the programme, Emma plays a vital role in sharing the voices of people with bowel cancer and making sure their needs are prioritised.

She said: "It’s people affected by cancer who provide the evidence needed for this research, so we make sure they understand the impact of their contribution. We write summaries of complex bowel cancer findings in clear, accessible language to show how the research will help others in the future."

Emma and her fellow patient representatives meet monthly with doctors and cancer experts behind the research. This includes Professor Phillip Quirke, a globally renowned bowel cancer researcher from the University of Leeds whose 40-year partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research has helped transform bowel cancer surgery for people in the region and around the world.

Emma said: “The researchers are brilliant and so inspiring. It’s reassuring to see their commitment to improving treatments and care for people like me. I’ll say yes to helping them in any way I can.” 

Emma continues to support the Galtres local volunteer group, which has helped fund cancer breakthroughs in Yorkshire and beyond for 55 years.

She said: “We’re a well-oiled machine. We all have our different strengths and skills to bring. Whether some people have been here five years, or others over 50, we all want the same thing. We want to help find more cancer cures. The camaraderie of the group is really motivating. 

Since joining the Bowel Cancer Improvement Programme team, Emma has also become a proud advocate for early diagnosis.  

Emma said: “I’m passionate about poo! I tell everyone to do their at-home bowel cancer screening tests. The sooner cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.”

Looking back on her cancer experience, Emma remarked how it had been intertwined with cherished family memories, including the birth of her second grandchildren.

She said: “When I was having my last radiotherapy session, my daughter-in-law was giving birth in the same hospital. It was so special to finish my cancer treatment the same day my granddaughter was born. When I was diagnosed, I was so worried I wouldn’t see them grow up. Now, every year with them feels like a privilege.” 

Emma concluded: