Yorkshire Cancer Research thanks volunteers

From enthusiastic cheer squads at sporting events and dedicated shop volunteers welcoming customers, to passionate local volunteer groups and those who share their personal experiences to help shape the charity’s work, each volunteer helps to save lives in Yorkshire.  

Volunteering with the Yorkshire Cancer Research cheer station team is how Suzy Aung, of Leeds, likes to show support for charity fundraisers taking part in sporting events.  

Suzy said: “I recently volunteered at the Leeds Half Marathon and loved the atmosphere and energy.

"Everyone is doing their best, whether they’re a runner or one of the volunteers supporting the race.

"You get to cheer people on, dance around and just have fun, all while supporting important cancer research in Yorkshire.” 

Suzy wants to help people with cancer in her region because in 2023, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer at aged just 26. Living far from her family in Myanmar, she found it challenging to navigate her diagnosis and treatment. 

Suzy continued: “It was really hard when I was told I had cervical cancer, especially because of how young I was and how far away my family are.

"Thankfully, I was diagnosed early. I was able to have a small operation, which was successful, and I now attend regular check-ups to monitor my health.” 

Yorkshire Cancer Research funds vital screening initiatives to detect and diagnose cancer sooner when it’s often easier to treat.

This included the Leeds GP Confederation’s Cancer Screening and Awareness Programme, which helped people living in the city’s eight most deprived areas access life-saving cancer screening.

Many of these were women from culturally diverse communities who are less likely to attend their cervical screening appointment when invited due to factors such as anxiety around the process and practical difficulties in booking an appointment. 

Suzy said: “Life happens and I’m just happy to be cancer-free.

“It’s important I now help Yorkshire Cancer Research raise awareness, so more cancers can be found as early as possible. I want to be someone who uplifts other people, and volunteering is how I can do that.” 

After moving to Leeds to study for her master's degree in finance, volunteering with Yorkshire Cancer Research also became a way for Suzy to connect with others while living away from her loved ones. 

Suzy said: “I saw my family for the first time in five years this April, and it’s been hard to live so far away from them.

“That’s why I enjoy meeting people as a charity volunteer. Everyone has their own experience which motivates them; I really like listening to what others have to share.

“The sense of community within the Yorkshire Cancer Research team is amazing.” 

Wednesday is the highlight of Alastair Kennedy’s week. It’s the day he takes to the road in the Yorkshire Cancer Research delivery van, helping to keep the charity’s network of 18 shops stocked with preloved treasures. 

Since joining in 2022, the grandfather-of-four, from Horsforth, has become an essential part of the Yorkshire Cancer Research team. 

Thanks to Alastair’s dedication, people across Yorkshire can browse and buy fresh collections of high-quality items in their local shop, with every purchase helping to raise funds for pioneering cancer research in the region. 

Alastair: “My role means I get to travel through this fine county of ours and visit the charity’s thriving shops.

"I’m at my best when I’m busy, which is why Wednesdays are my most satisfying day of the week – first, spending my day volunteering to support life-saving research and finishing with taking the grandkids swimming! Over the last four years of volunteering, I’ve formed great friendships. I enjoy it tremendously.” 

Alastair is motivated to volunteer in memory of his wife Vicki, who sadly passed away from a late-stage cancer in October 2021. 

For Alastair, research which helps more people in Yorkshire survive their cancer is vital.

The pioneering FOxTROT 2 and 3 bowel cancer clinical trials, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research and led by researchers at the University of Leeds, are exploring how chemotherapy before surgery can reduce complications and the likelihood of their cancer returning.

Delivered at hospitals across Yorkshire and beyond, the trials are helping to bring gold-standard, potentially life-saving treatment to people with bowel cancer. 

Alastair continued: “Vicki was born and bred Yorkshire. After my wife died, I decided to volunteer to support research that helps families like mine in the region spend more time together.

“While volunteering, I’ve had the chance to learn about some of the pioneering clinical trials funded by the charity, including FOxTROT, which makes what we do so rewarding.” 

Inspired by one their son’s love of rugby, Alastair also organises an annual game to commemorate Vicki’s birthday, where he awards the man of the match the ‘English Rose Trophy’ - named after her favourite lipstick.

This year, over 100 of Alastair’s friends and family came together to take part, over the last three years they have raised £5,800 to help fund life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire. 

Alastair concluded: “There is something very rewarding to volunteering, especially when you have lost a loved one to cancer far too early.

“I genuinely give my all when I’m volunteering with Yorkshire Cancer Research. I really feel like I’m helping to save lives in Yorkshire.” 

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Yorkshire Cancer Research could not fund ground-breaking new cancer cures for people in Yorkshire – and beyond – without the dedication of volunteers."

"Every hour generously given through volunteering helps the charity move one step closer towards its vision of a Yorkshire free from cancer.” 

To find out how you can volunteer with Yorkshire Cancer Research and help save lives in Yorkshire, visit www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk/volunteer