“Knowing I’m helping Yorkshire communities raise money to fund life-saving cancer research is why I come to work every day” – June’s experience content
June has worked at Yorkshire Cancer Research for 34 years. Since joining the charity as an ‘Office Junior’ in May 1991, her role has evolved along with the charity. She is now a Relationship Officer, supporting a network of community fundraisers across Yorkshire.
Sitting down to find out more about her, she said: “I’m not sure I’m the best person for a spotlight. It’s the supporters and fundraisers who are the real stars – they are the ones making an impact for people with cancer in Yorkshire.”
But June’s impact should not be overlooked. As the charity’s longest serving employee, she is considered by many Yorkshire Cancer Research employees to be an unsung hero, having helped people in communities across Yorkshire raise vital funds for pioneering cancer research for over a third of the charity’s history.
This includes local volunteer groups who, since 1948, have worked tirelessly to support life-saving research for the benefit of people in Yorkshire, and beyond. Together, they have helped raised over £30 million, helping more people live longer, healthier, cancer-free lives.
Quote from June Sandford
The local volunteer groups have been a huge part of the charity from the beginning. They’re amazing for what they do, and the time and commitment they put into raising money is tremendous. They have helped save lives – simple as that. Our longest-serving group is Great Ayton, which was formed 77 years ago!”
Having witnessed the fulfilment that comes from being part of a local volunteer group, June is passionate about inspiring more people to get involved.
She said: “If there's a group in your area and you have a little time to spare, please consider joining. The people involved are incredibly welcoming, and their work is truly meaningful. We need new voices and fresh energy to continue their efforts and pass the torch to the next generation. Let’s ensure these wonderful groups keep thriving for years to come."
From coffee mornings to tractor runs, June is the person at the end of the phone for people fundraising in their local community. She also works one day a week in the charity’s shop in Ripon where she meets other local volunteers.
When working out of the Ripon shop, she enjoys working on the till, helping organise stock and talking to customers.
She said: “The team at Ripon are so wonderful, and I can’t help but get stuck in, knowing this work all contributes to life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire. I’ve also loved helping at the Donation Centre in Harrogate – it’s incredible to see how generous people are with their donations.”
When June first joined Yorkshire Cancer Research in 1991, the charity had nine employees. Today, the charity employees over 150 people, with 15 shops on the high street in towns and cities across the region.
The charity is currently funding £64m of cancer research and services, working with 710 researchers and cancer experts to bring pioneering cancer breakthroughs and progress to people in Yorkshire.
Quote from June Sandford
Having been with the charity so long, I’ve seen the focus of its research evolve from lab-based research to exciting new clinical trials, such as the Leeds Lung Health Check. These trials are saving lives right here in Yorkshire communities today and fundraisers have played a vital role in helping make this happen. I know they want to see more of this and the impact of the money they raise - funding trials that find cancer early and save people’s lives.”
June has lived in Yorkshire her whole life and can’t imagine ever living anywhere else as special as her home in Knaresborough.
She said: “Knaresborough is home to a friendly community and where a walk along the river can feel like a holiday. Yorkshire is such a big and beautiful region, and I’m proud to have come from and raised my family here.”
She also can’t imagine every working anywhere else – for her, Yorkshire Cancer Research is like a second home.
Quote from June Sandford
Knowing I’m helping people raise money to fund life-saving cancer research is why I come to work every day. Working at the charity is very different to when I started. There were no mobile phones, and I would use filing cards to store data! But what has remained the same is the drive and passion of those who work here. We all share one common goal at Yorkshire Cancer Research: to improve the lives of people with cancer and ultimately, find a cure.”