More than 600 people affected by cancer have been celebrated as part of a Christmas campaign run by Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Hundreds of stars dedicated in support of people with cancer in Yorkshire
More than 600 people affected by cancer have been celebrated as part of a Christmas campaign run by Yorkshire Cancer Research.
The Harrogate-based charity has been inviting people to ‘Help Yorkshire Shine’ by shining a light on the groundbreaking research it funds across the region.
As well as donating to help prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, people have been dedicating a ‘Yorkshire Star’ to celebrate someone who has recovered from cancer, thank those who have shown support, recognise someone going through treatment or remember a loved one.
Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:
“It is wonderful that more than 600 Yorkshire Stars have been dedicated this year.
“Each star helps shine a light on those affected by cancer this Christmas, as well as raising awareness of the groundbreaking research taking place across Yorkshire to help more people live longer healthier lives, free of cancer.”
Supporters of the charity were invited to attend a festive celebration at the Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre, based at Hornbeam Park in Harrogate.
The event, hosted on Thursday 14th December, was an opportunity for people to come together to recognise those affected by cancer, as well as see their Yorkshire Star dedications displayed on a special Christmas tree.
Kathryn added:
“It was lovely to bring people together for the first time at the new Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre, as well as to say thank you to each and every person who has donated, volunteered and shown support for the pioneering work the charity funds.”
Guests enjoyed festive treats including mince pies and stollen, had the chance to browse the new boutique-style shop, and joined in with a Christmas singalong led by St. Aidan’s Festive Band.
[caption id="attachment_93670" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Help Yorkshire Shine this Christmas event at Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre (Photo: Jonathan Pow)[/caption]Guests welcomed to the event included those who have benefited from research funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Neil Garner, 69, took part in the Active Together programme after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022.
The programme, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, offers personalised fitness, nutrition, and wellbeing support to help with cancer prepare for and recover from their cancer treatment.
Neil has since been given the ‘all-clear’ and wanted to dedicate a Yorkshire Star to thank those who supported him during his treatment.
He said:
[caption id="attachment_93668" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Help Yorkshire Shine this Christmas event at Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre (Photo: Jonathan Pow)[/caption]“So many people have been stars during my cancer experience, from my family and friends to the brilliant staff at the NHS and the fellow patients I met on the ward who helped me keep a positive attitude.
“The team working on the Active Together programme have all been stars, and I want to do something to thank them this Christmas.”
Guests who had not yet dedicated their own Yorkshire Star could decorate and hang their star on the Christmas tree. One such person was TV presenter and journalist Christine Talbot, who dedicated a star to friends and family affected by cancer.
She said:
“It was great to be part of such a lovely festive evening at the fantastic new Yorkshire Cancer Research centre in Harrogate. I was so impressed by what is on offer there for people in Yorkshire who are coping with cancer.
“It is a welcoming safe space for people and their families to go when they need support, to just relax and chat in the coffee shop, enjoy the ambience, browse the shop, or use the wellness and fitness facilities. We are so lucky to have this in Yorkshire.”
A ‘Yorkshire Star’ installation, made up of 600 individual Christmas lights representing the 600 people diagnosed with cancer each week in Yorkshire, was also unveiled at Rudding Park in Harrogate.
The installation was created with the help of Harrogate-based business Lights4Fun, who also provided lights and decorations to bring some added Christmas magic to the festive celebrations.
The campaign will run until Christmas, and people can continue to dedicate a star or make a donation on the charity’s website: www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk/helpyorkshireshine
Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
New Acute Medical Unit opens at Harrogate District Hospital
New show home opens for Harrogate house hunters
Darcey's Ball raises whopping £55,000 for Martin House
Local MP takes campaign to save Knaresborough castle to Parliament
Harrogate Town submit plans to build £2.75m training ground in Wetherby
Harrogate NHS awarded £2 million for cutting waiting times
Harrogate care home's Christmas ball raises £18,500
Local MP visits Harrogate College amid £20million redevelopment
New sandwich shop to open on Knaresborough Road
Yorkshire Baby Show announces return to Harrogate in spring
Weetons named as winners of Christmas shop window competition
Knaresborough Young Farmers announce return of Christmas tree collection service
Your Harrogate and Harrogate Town to partner for return of Local Hero Awards
Harrogate appoints night marshals for festive season
Search continues for missing man who could be in Harrogate
Harrogate dad living with epilepsy shares hope for festive season he can remember
Ripon BID named as finalist at national awards
Man arrested in Harrogate after hitting woman 'multiple times in the head'
Yorkshire Water finally lifts five-month hosepipe ban
Fundraiser launched to help Starbeck boy take his first independent steps
