Shine bright: Yorkshire cancer charity launches Christmas campaign

People across Yorkshire affected by cancer will have the opportunity to dedicate a star to someone they wish to recognise this Christmas.

The Yorkshire Stars campaign from Yorkshire Cancer Research launched with a stunning visualisation of stars projected onto the front of the Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds.

The stars represent the 600 people who are diagnosed with cancer each week in Yorkshire alone, and highlight the pioneering medical research being funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research in the region.

The campaign gives people the opportunity to dedicate a star to anyone affected by cancer or who has been a part of their cancer experience, whether that be a researcher, a nurse or a supportive friend.

Each star can be dedicated with a personal message and will be hosted in an online gallery as well as displayed on a Christmas tree in the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Harrogate. Stars can also be printed out to display at home or to give to a loved one.

The campaign launch was attended by Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, along with researchers funded by the charity, people affected by cancer and supporters.

Professor Phil Quirke from the University of Leeds, who leads the charity's Bowel Cancer Improvement Programme, and Professor Mat Callister from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, who leads the charity's Leeds Lung Health Check clinical trial, both dedicated stars to people they wanted to recognise through the campaign.

They were joined by Richard Foster, whose lung cancer was found at an early stage through the Leeds Lung Health Check, and Kate Bartholomew, who has been treated for breast and bowel cancer and now provides a patient perspective to the Bowel Cancer Improvement Programme team.

Irene and Michael Collins and Hilary Tammer from the charity's Leeds Volunteer Group also attended.

Kathryn said:

“This campaign gives people the opportunity to celebrate someone who has recovered from cancer, thank those who have shown their support, recognise someone going through treatment, or remember a loved one who is sadly no longer with us. It’s an opportunity to pay tribute to them at what is traditionally a reflective and celebratory time of year.

“We’re looking forward to running the campaign again, shining a light specifically on the essential research being carried out in Yorkshire to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. 

Richard Foster, a deputy head teacher from Leeds, knows first-hand how important this pioneering research can be. He was invited to a lung screening funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research which led to his diagnosis with cancer.

Richard said:

“I can’t overstate the impact that Yorkshire Cancer Research and the Leeds Lung Health Check project has had on my life. Without a doubt, it saved my life.”

Luckily, the cancer was found early when it was easier to treat, and Richard had surgery to remove it. The Yorkshire Stars campaign aims to shine a light on the importance of continued research to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer to help more people like Richard.

Professor Mat Callister, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Honorary Professor at the University of Leeds, said:

“Without funding from Yorkshire Cancer Research, the Leeds Lung Health Check programme simply would not have been possible.

“We’re looking forward to supporting the charity’s Yorkshire Stars campaign this Christmas by paying tribute to all those affected by cancer and thanking all the people who have helped support vital research in Yorkshire. The Leeds Lung Health Check demonstrates the direct impact the charity’s work is having on patients living right here in the region.”