Our story
The York Against Cancer story began in 1987, and to date, the charity has raised more than £15 million for local cancer care, research and education.
Where the York Against Cancer story began
Our story begins with two surgeons and a university researcher. Professor Leveson, a former senior lecturer and consultant surgeon at St James’ Hospital in Leeds, wanted to make a difference to those in York living with cancer.
The professor formed a partnership with fellow surgeon Mr John Craven and university researcher Professor Colin Garner. The three wanted to commit to cancer research in the local area, but suffered from the same funding restrictions that we see today. When they realised that they would need to tap into other sources, York Against Cancer was born.
Getting the local community involved
Before long, Dame Judi Dench became a patron. Soon after, we began establishing vital links between our founders and influential local contacts. Jack Birch, a renowned builder in the York area and former Lord Mayor of York, was enthused by our founders’ vision. He became the first Chairman of the charity and he provided an office which became our headquarters.
Our first research project
Just one year later, we secured funding for our first research project in 1988. At the same time, we were also backing science and improving care for local people. We soon knew that educating people and providing life-changing information would form a core part of our mission.
Funding treatments
By 1989, we appointed our first oncology nurse in response to growing concerns around chemotherapy. We soon grew this team, ready to treat local people. We also continued to fund research, and by 1992, we had founded the Jack Birch Unit at the University of York.
York’s first purpose-built cancer care centre
By 1997, we made our founding aim a reality: to establish a cancer care centre at York Hospital. This coincided with our 10th anniversary year, and was supported by an incredible £100,000 public fundraising campaign backed by The Press newspaper in York.
After attracting the attention and interest of local people, we set about building Yorkshire’s first cancer care centre. It would provide a non-clinical safe haven for cancer patients within York Hospital. With our name under the spotlight, we set our sights on our first fundraising target of £60,000, which would pay for vital equipment, staffing and research.
Our minibus service
In 2007, we introduced a vital new service for patients in and around York. Our free minibus service would transport those with cancer to radiotherapy treatments at St James’ Hospital in Leeds, saving stress and money for all those going through treatment. In 2014, a successful fundraising campaign led to a replacement minibus, ensuring ongoing service for years to come.
Then and now
We have committed to providing £1.3 million in funding for the Jack Birch Unit over five years. This will help to further cutting-edge research into bladder cancer. Led by Professor Jenny Southgate, the department has made landmark discoveries in bladder cancer research, including finding crucial links between bladder cancer, smoking and the environment.
Anniversary celebrations
2017 was our 30th anniversary, and with it, we had many achievements. Following the introduction of a luxury respite apartment in Whitby in 2012, we commissioned another respite property in Filey. This £360,000 four-bedroom property has become just as popular as the Whitby apartment, offering hundreds of patients and their families free short breaks.
In the same year, we funded a £700,000 mobile chemotherapy unit. This was the first of its kind in Yorkshire, thanks to a hugely generous legacy donation from a local resident. The unit means that more patients in the outlying areas of north and east Yorkshire can get access to vital treatments, while also relieving the pressure on chemotherapy units in the main York and Scarborough Hospitals.
Our fundraisers also received the highest accolade in 2017 – the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is the equivalent of an MBE.
From small developments to life-saving changes
In 30 years, we’re proud to have contributed so much to the local community. To this day, we continue to fund research and clinical trials at York Hospital. We also provide educational packs for primary and secondary aged pupils, educating them about a healthy lifestyle and how that links to cancer prevention, as well as sun safety initiatives.
We have worked closely with York Hospital, not just with the cancer care centre but with the purchase of wheelchairs for the car park, the funding of staff, and the opening of our shops.
Looking forward
Though we came from humble beginnings, we’re so happy to have had such a significant impact on the people of York. We are a small team with big aspirations.
Meet The Team
Our team includes CEO Julie Russell who has been a long-standing member of the charity, having to date served over 17 years, Deputy CEO Heather Atkinson, Head of Volunteers Nicola Doherty, PR Consultant Jess Valenghi, Marketing Assistand Alice Freeman-Cuerden, Retail Manager Jill Hutchinson, Leveson Centre Manager Debbie Smith and Assistant Manager Victoria Edwards.
The team are joined by a whole host of volunteers who help with working in the shops, driving the minibus, helping in the office and hosting events.
New beginnings
Having launched a new brand in 2017, we have smashed our £100,000 fundraising target. In May 2021 we moved to our new headquarters at the York Community Stadium, and will continue to serve the York community for 30 years and beyond.
£700,000
Mobile chemotherapy unit
£1.3 million
Funding into urological cancers
£15 million
Local cancer care, research and education