People urged to ‘Step Out for Yorkshire’ for cancer charity campaign

Yorkshire Cancer Research is inviting people to celebrate the region while helping to save lives by taking part in its new campaign ‘Step Out for Yorkshire’.

The charity is challenging people to walk, run or cycle throughout the month of May to raise vital funds to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

The campaign aims to highlight the important role exercise plays in lowering the risk of cancer. Exercise before, during and after treatment for cancer has also been shown to help people respond better to treatment and can help stop cancer coming back.

The Yorkshire community is invited to join together to help reach a fundraising target of £150,000, which will fund experts and world-leading researchers who pioneer early cancer diagnosis and discover new and better treatments for people with cancer.

Fronting the campaign are three Yorkshire men and women who participated last year and are planning higher exercise targets this time around.

Ndidi Nkwopara, from Leeds, said: “I was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and since recovering, I feel stronger and make more effort to exercise – it was a game changer for me to feel the benefits mentally and physically.

“For last year’s campaign I walked 72 miles and my challenge for Step Out for Yorkshire this year will be walking again, increasing my target to 100 miles. I hope I make it.”

In Yorkshire, 30,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year. The charity aims to save 2,000 lives in the region each year by funding pioneering research.

Fiona Lovell, from Helmsley, York, cycled 100 miles across 10 days last May, raising £1,500 for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

She said: “I think Yorkshire Cancer Research is an excellent charity, they’re full of hope.

“This challenge is perfect for me. It’s healthy, relaxing, and it’s doing something for charity as part of the Yorkshire community. I never knew that doing exercise before, during and after cancer treatments can mean a better prognosis.

“I’m excited to take part in Step Out for Yorkshire this year by cycling again throughout May and aiming to raise even more funds for the charity.”

Alex Turner, from Hebden Bridge, said: “This exercise challenge is really good because it’s a great motivator to get out and stick to an exercise plan. I’m very lucky to live in Hebden Bridge where I’ve got miles of canal paths and hills to explore.

“I, like many, have close family who have been affected by cancer so it’s great to do a real challenge for Yorkshire Cancer Research. A couple of friends have said they’ll join me in walking for support. If you’re thinking about whether to get involved – just do it.”

Yorkshire Cancer Research is calling on people in Yorkshire to sign up, set their own exercise goal, and Step Out for Yorkshire, while encouraging fundraising from friends, family and colleagues.

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:

“Our Step Out for Yorkshire campaign is all about giving your health and wellbeing a boost while helping to save lives and celebrating everything our beautiful region has to offer.

“That's why we're inviting people across the region to step outdoors and get moving. Those taking part can choose whichever exercise they love and set their own target, so everyone can join in regardless of their experience or abilities.

Simply sign up on the website, get active and Step Out for Yorkshire. All funds raised through sponsorship will go towards essential work and research funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, which is now more important than ever before as we begin to tackle the impact of the pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of people with cancer.”

To sign up, donate and track your progress on a live leaderboard, head to Yorkshire Cancer Research’s Step Out for Yorkshire website.