Yorkshire Cancer Research to open new shop in Leeds

Yorkshire Cancer Research is preparing to open its first shop in Leeds, less than a mile from where the charity was founded almost 100 years ago.

Opening in spring 2023, the shop will form part of the charity’s ambitious plan to see its name on every high street in Yorkshire.

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Leeds is where Yorkshire Cancer Research first began back in 1925, so it’s particularly exciting to be opening a shop in the heart of the city’s shopping district.

“From funding world-leading cancer research at the universities and hospitals to being the official charity partner of Leeds United, the charity has been a key part of the fabric of this wonderful city for many years. We’re looking forward to welcoming customers in Leeds through the doors of one of our shops for the first time.”

Yorkshire Cancer Research was founded during a meeting at Leeds Medical School and since 2015, has invested £35.5 million into cancer research and services in the city.

One of the charity’s current programmes is the Leeds Lung Health Check, a multimillion-pound clinical trial which is helping people in Leeds benefit from life-saving scans designed to find lung cancer at the earliest possible stage, when more treatment options are available.

The charity’s research is made possible thanks to decades of support from the Leeds community. The charity’s Leeds Volunteer Group has raised £1 million to help prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer in Yorkshire since it was first formed in 1958.

The shop will be the sixth in the charity’s retail network, joining others in Knaresborough, Ripon, Harrogate, Northallerton and Pickering.

Located in a Grade 1 listed building on Vicar Lane, the new shop will sell a curated collection of ladies’ and men’s clothing, shoes, jewellery, and accessories. It will be run by manager Rob Atkins, supported by a team of volunteers.

Rob said: “Leeds city centre is a vibrant shopping destination and an active cultural hub, so I’m very excited to have the opportunity to meet with the local community. The shop will raise vital funds for the charity, but also give sustainable retail alternatives and volunteering opportunities to customers and supporters.”

Yorkshire Cancer Research is inviting anyone who is interested in volunteering in the shop to register their interest.