“My mum’s treatment is giving us more time to do fun things and that’s why Yorkshire Cancer Research is important to me.” – Thomas’s experience

At just nine years old, Thomas Umpleby from Harrogate is already inspiring others with his courage and kindness. Motivated by his mum Shiela’s strength during her cancer treatment, Thomas has become a passionate charity supporter, helping Yorkshire Cancer Research raise awareness of why research in Yorkshire matters and how it can make a difference to people living with cancer.  

Thomas was only four years old when his mum was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer. His little brother Isaac, now six, was just a baby at the time.  

In 2021, Shiela was told she had inflammatory breast cancer which had already spread to other parts of her body. Sadly, she was told that the cancer was incurable; news she then had to share with her two boys. 

After her diagnosis, Shiela underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy before starting a treatment called targeted therapy to help prevent the cancer spreading further.

During this time, Thomas often saw his mum feeling unwell from the side effects of treatment and noticed her appearance begin to change.  

Shiela said: “My children have been incredibly resilient throughout. They’ve seen the loss of my hair and my appearance change due to treatment, but they take everything in their stride. When the cancer spread to my brain and I needed more intensive treatment, they coped with it all so well. I had a wig while I was having chemotherapy and quite often, they were the ones wearing it! I’m very lucky to have them.” 

Thomas said: “Mummy has been so strong when she’s been in and out of the hospital. Sometimes she has been very poorly, but she always makes sure to look after me and Isaac. I was very worried when she first had treatment on her brain. Now I know it is to help her, and it makes her feel better.”

The treatment Thomas refers to is Gamma Knife treatment, a type of non-invasive targeted therapy using beams of gamma radiation to slow the growth of cancer. Shiela and her husband Martin have always explained her treatments to their children, explaining why research is vital to find new and better ways to treat cancer.   

Last year, Thomas bravely stood in front of his classmates and parents at his school, Killinghall Church of England Primary School, to talk about his mum’s experience with cancer. In his speech, he explained why the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research means so much to his family and encouraged everyone to give their support. You can watch his speech below:

Every 17 minutes someone in Yorkshire is told they have cancer. Thomas is one of 17 people who shared their experiences and perspectives with Poet Laureate Simon Armitage to inspire his poem “The Campaign”. 

The poem pays tribute to a century of progress in cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, while highlighting the work still needed to create a future free from cancer – in Yorkshire and beyond.

Simon Armitage, who was born in Yorkshire, visited the Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre in Harrogate to hear from 17 voices from across the region - researchers pioneering new discoveries, fundraisers dedicated to saving lives, families who have sadly lost loved ones, and those living with cancer.

Thomas said: “I found it inspiring to hear different people talk about them having cancer and hear about all the amazing work researchers have done.”    

Shiela and her family have supported the pioneering work of Yorkshire Cancer Research in many ways. Shortly after her diagnosis, Shiela began volunteering at the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Harrogate.

During their time with Simon, Shiela and Thomas spoke about the positive impact volunteering had on Shiela’s mental wellbeing, as well as the vital support their family has given to Yorkshire Cancer Research through fundraising campaigns and sharing their experience. 

Today, Shiela is focused on spending as much time as possible with Thomas and Isaac while continuing treatment to manage her symptoms. At the start of 2026, the family travelled to the Philippines to visit Shiela’s relatives.

Thomas said: “We are making so many amazing memories.  My mum’s treatment means we can do fun things and that’s why Yorkshire Cancer Research is important to me.”