Summer is here and we hope you're enjoying the sunshine safely.
July marks Sarcoma Awareness Month and we wanted to share the signs and symptoms to look out for on our cancer information webpages.
In this edition, we're sharing highlights from a special royal reception celebrating 125 years of Cancer Research UK, hearing from a shop volunteer who attended the event, and looking at some of the incredible achievements your support has helped make possible.
You'll also discover how our volunteers have raised vital funds this summer and learn about a new challenge helping to turn everyday movement into life-saving progress.
Thank you for everything you do.
Julie Byard, Director of Trading
Cancer Research UK
On Tuesday 2 June, Their Majesties The King and Queen hosted a royal reception to begin celebrations marking 125 years of Cancer Research UK’s impact.
Joining Their Majesties at the reception were The Princess of Wales and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. The Duke is Joint President of Cancer Research UK, alongside Princess Alexandra.
Researchers, clinicians, volunteers, supporters and partners gathered at St James’s Palace, London – including several of our very own shop volunteers! They were joined by high-profile supporters Davina McCall, Hannah Fry, Adele Roberts and Ronan and Storm Keating.
Together they reflected on the collective effort that’s driven 125 years of progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
As our Patron, His Majesty The King continues a long tradition of Royal support for the charity, helping to shine a spotlight on our life-saving work.
The reception reflected both how far cancer research has come, and why continued research is so important.
The celebration was made even more special by the volunteers who represented our community, including shop volunteer Lottie. Read her story below to find out about her experience at the palace.
Lottie began volunteering at the Ilkley shop in West Yorkshire in September 2019, in memory of her great Auntie Carol, who sadly died from breast cancer. Since then, Lottie has grown enormously in confidence and has become a much-loved and valued member of the team. “Receiving the invitation was such an honour and came as a complete surprise. Attending the Cancer Research UK 125th Anniversary event at St James’s Palace was a truly special experience and something that I’ll never forget. It was so inspiring to be surrounded by so many people who are passionate about making a difference and supporting life-saving research. I felt incredibly proud to be there and grateful to be part of the CRUK community.”
Cancer Research UK has published a new report, Turning evidence into impact: A decade of saving and improving lives. It looks back on some of the key milestones from the past decade that we’re most proud of – achievements made possible thanks to the dedicated support of people like you.
For decades, we’ve been calling for action to tackle smoking, the biggest cause of cancer in the UK. With the recent royal assent of the Tobacco & Vapes Act, we’ve taken a major step on the road to a smokefree UK.
But this is just one example of the many ways we’ve made a difference. Our policy work has played a key role in driving change for people affected by cancer. Plus, our trusted information reaches millions of people every year, helping them reduce their cancer risk, get support with any concerns, and navigate tests and treatments.
We know there’s still much more to do to improve outcomes for cancer patients. Our progress relies on a whole community coming together, united by a shared purpose to beat cancer. Together, our work today can transform lives tomorrow.
Thank you for everything you do to support our mission.
On Sunday 21 June, our third Bowelbabe Fund cash fundraising campaign ended after five weeks of bake sales, bucket collections, community events and of course, poo costumes. We’re happy to share that shop staff and volunteers exceeded the initial goal by 30% to raise an incredible £522,882.
Your dedication, creativity, enthusiasm and teamwork help to continue Dame Deborah James’ legacy of giving more people affected by cancer, more time with the people they love. All the vital bowel cancer research and health awareness projects the Bowelbabe Fund supports are made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of volunteers like you.
This result is more than just a number. It’s a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. Thank you for being part of it.
We’re proud to be teaming up with Postcode Lottery as a charity partner for their Crowns for Causes challenges on Strava – an initiative that could help turn everyday movement into meaningful progress against cancer.
By moving in a way that works for them, participants can help unlock up to £5m in donations for charities, including Cancer Research UK.
Throughout July and August, participants can take part in simple activity challenges on Strava and help unlock a £100 donation per challenge for charity.
The challenges celebrate all kinds of movement, from walks and hikes to cycling, running and fundraising events like Race for Life, making it easy for supporters to get involved.
Supporters can join Crowns for Causes with a free Strava account. No paid subscription or trial account needed.
A moderated discussion forum where you can talk to others affected by cancer, share experiences and get support.
As one of our shop volunteers you have access to tailored, free and confidential health and wellbeing support.
Find useful information and resources for volunteers and stay up to date with the latest news and updates.
If you received a link to this information by text message it is because you volunteer in one of our shops. If you’re no longer volunteering with us, please email us at volunteering@cancer.org.uk.
