“Today’s advancements in cancer research bring cures, hope and possibilities to people in Yorkshire.” – Hon. Nicholas and Victoria Howard’s experience

This autumn, the Hon. Nicholas and Victoria Howard will open the doors of their home, the iconic Castle Howard, for a truly special occasion: the Yorkshire Cancer Research Gala Dinner ‘A Night Like No Other’.

‘A Night Like No Other’ is a celebration of the people in Yorkshire who, for 100 years, have united to bring life-saving breakthroughs, discoveries and progress in cancer research to the region.  

Money raised from the event will help Yorkshire Cancer Research bring more ground-breaking research, clinical trials and innovative cancer services to Yorkshire communities, so more lives can be saved in the region and beyond.  

The event holds extra meaning for Nicholas and Victoria, both of whom have had experience of cancer. Victoria was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago and is a passionate advocate for the role of research in advancing cancer treatments, ensuring they reach those who need them. 

Victoria’s breast cancer was detected through screening, resulting in it being caught early and successfully treated with radiotherapy.  

She continues to attend regular screenings due to carrying the BRCA gene mutation, which increases her risk of developing certain cancers.  

She explained: “I carry the BRCA gene mutation, directly connecting me to the groundbreaking work the charity funds. My family has a history of breast cancer, and we sadly lost many of my female relatives at a young age. Now, with the incredible progress being made in cancer and genetics, I’m hopeful we’ll see more cutting-edge treatments and greater opportunities for people to take part in genetic testing. Progress is happening all the time, and I remain hopeful for the future.”

One example of this progress is the PROTECT-C study, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research and led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London. This pioneering clinical trial will offer thousands of women in Yorkshire the opportunity to be tested for genetic mutations that increase their risk of breast, ovarian and womb cancer.  

It is estimated that 19,000 women in Yorkshire carry the mutations tested for in the trial yet, the majority remain unidentified. 

PROTECT-C aims to save lives by helping women who have not previously undergone genetic testing to find out if they are at higher risk of cancer. Those found to be at higher risk can choose to take measures to prevent breast, womb and ovarian cancer developing. They can also receive regular screening, so if they do develop cancer, it is diagnosed at the earliest possible stage – when it is often more likely to be treated successfully.  

Victoria’s experience with the BRCA gene mutation has deepened her interest in genetic testing and targeted cancer therapies. One of her motivations for supporting Yorkshire Cancer Research came from her learning about the charity’s role in the discovery of a life-saving cancer drug called Lynparza.

She said: “I’ve been impressed by the achievements of Yorkshire Cancer Research’s work, including the role the charity played in the discovery of the first PARP inhibitor, a pioneering cancer treatment that my own oncologist also happened to be involved in.”

A PARP inhibitor is a type of drug that kills cancer cells. Lynparza was discovered with funding from Yorkshire Cancer Research and has since been used to help treat over 140,000 people with cancer worldwide. The development of the drug was led by Professor Thomas Helleday and his team at the University of Sheffield, and has since led to the creation of other successful PARP inhibitor drugs.  

Victoria said: “The strides made in cancer research over the past century are extraordinary. In our parents’ generation, options were limited. Today, advancements in cancer research bring cures, hope and possibilities to people in Yorkshire.”

For Nicholas Howard, supporting the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research is also personal, following his own diagnosis with prostate cancer.

He continued: “For us, the Gala Dinner is not just about raising funds but also raising awareness. Cancer affects everyone, and the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research is transforming lives. It’s remarkable to think the charity is marking its 100th anniversary - a testament to the supporters and researchers in Yorkshire who continue to make great strides in cancer research. Hosting the Gala Dinner felt like a meaningful way to honour this milestone and shine a light on the charity’s impact in the region, and beyond.”

Following a reception, guests will be invited to join Nicholas and Victoria in the Long Gallery for an extraordinary evening of entertainment, a five-course Yorkshire-inspired tasting meal and a fundraising auction.

Nicholas concluded: “The Yorkshire Cancer Research Gala Dinner promises to be an extraordinary evening in the beautifully restored Long Gallery, bringing together people with a shared mission to raise funds for cancer research in Yorkshire. Though cancer remains a serious issue, the evening will be a joyful celebration of the incredible progress made in cancer research over the past 100 years and a hopeful look toward a future where our region is one day free from cancer.”