‘Step Out’ campaign raises £40,000 for live-saving cancer research

People in Yorkshire have raised more than £40,000 for life-saving cancer research by taking part in the annual ‘Step Out for Yorkshire’ campaign by Yorkshire Cancer Research.

The campaign, which challenged people to run, walk or cycle 100 miles throughout the month of May, saw over 500 people sign up, including Kevin Fiander, 64, from Sheffield. Kevin, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2021, walked 135 miles and raised more than £600.

Following his cancer diagnosis, Kevin was advised that he needed to improve his fitness to have the best chance of recovering from surgery. To help with this he was referred to an exercise and wellbeing programme funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research.

The programme provides personalised fitness, nutritional and wellbeing support to help patients prepare for, respond to, and recover from cancer treatment, with an aim to improve survival and reduce the risk of cancer coming back.

Kevin said: “I have a new appreciation for exercise following my personal experience with cancer. Working with the team at the programme made me realise how much regular movement helped both physically and mentally. It gave me a purpose and got me out and about."

“I felt that doing the 100 miles in May challenge would help raise some much-needed funds. The work that Yorkshire Cancer Research funds is important in finding ways to diagnose cancers early enough for the person to have a chance to survive.”

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “The charity has been overwhelmed by the support and funds raised for this year’s campaign and is beyond thankful to everyone who took part. The money raised through Step Out for Yorkshire will help support researchers and cancer experts who pioneer early diagnosis and discover new and better treatments.

“Exercise plays a vital part in lowering the risk of developing cancer as well as helping in cancer treatment and recovery. That's why we invited people throughout the region to get involved in this year’s Step Out for Yorkshire campaign.”

Each year, 30,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire. Research shows that by encouraging more people to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight, 2,200 of these cases could be prevented.