Yorkshire Cancer Research invites people in Leeds to brew it for a Yorkshire free from cancer

The charity’s 2026 ‘Yorkshire’s Big Brew’ fundraising campaign encourages friends, family and colleagues to hold their own tea party or coffee morning and help bring new treatments and cures to people with cancer in Yorkshire. 

Every 15 minutes, someone in Yorkshire is told they have cancer, and sadly, people in the region are more likely to have their lives cut short by cancer than almost anywhere else in England.  

Yorkshire Cancer Research exists to change this. The charity is funding £75 million of pioneering cancer research and services to help prevent, detect, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. 

Whether it’s a workplace cake sale or a celebration at home with friends and family, every brew, bake and butty will support the charity’s mission to save lives in Yorkshire. 

Those who sign up to join ‘Yorkshire’s Big Brew’ on the Yorkshire Cancer Research website will receive a free fundraising pack containing a selection of goodies needed to make their event a success, including balloons, bunting, cake flags and more. 

When her workplace chose to host a Yorkshire Cancer Research Big Brew this year, Julia Ford, from Brighouse, was excited to get stuck in and brew it for Yorkshire. Having worked at industrial property specialist Towngate PLC for 25 years, she has seen first-hand the benefits of bringing colleagues and customers together through fundraising events.  

Julia said: “We had a wonderful turnout, with so many people coming along to support the vital work of Yorkshire Cancer Research. Employees brought in their homemade goods and we were kindly gifted a beautiful array of bakes and cakes from other businesses in the West Yorkshire area.

"Several members of the Halifax Clifton and Lightcliffe Brass Band even stopped in to visit! The morning was a fantastic success, not only allowing us to take a break from our desks and connect with the community but also help fund pioneering cancer research in Yorkshire.” 

Towngate PLC decided to fundraise for ground-breaking cancer research in Yorkshire in memory of two colleagues who both sadly passed away from cancer in recent years: Merys and David. 

Julia said: “Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity very close to our hearts. Merys was a wonderful colleague and friend, and we couldn’t have asked for a better chairman than David. Being able to have a cuppa together and raise vital funds in their honour made the day even more meaningful.” 

Julia has also been impacted by cancer in her personal life. Her son-in-law, Grant, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2024, and sadly passed away aged 47 in December 2024.  

Julia continued: “My daughter, Jessica, was expecting their second child together when Grant died. Their first son was only four. His passing really left a big hole in the family.” 

“It is rare these days to find anyone who has not been affected by cancer in some way. By taking part in Yorkshire’s Big Brew and raising a mug for life-saving cancer research in the region, you can help save the life of a colleague, friend or family member.” 

Neil Preston, Director of Fundraising at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Thanks to the generosity and dedication of fundraisers from across the region, Yorkshire Cancer Research is bringing world-leading cancer research and life-giving breakthroughs to people in Yorkshire.

"Every pound raised through a Big Brew helps researchers and experts find and bring new cancer cures and treatments to people in Yorkshire. Together, we can save lives in our region - one tea, coffee and bake at a time.” 

Raise a mug with friends, family and colleagues and help fund life-saving cancer research by hosting your own Big Brew: www.YorkshireCancerResearch.org.uk/BigBrew