People across Yorkshire raise £55,000 for pioneering cancer research as part of charity walking challenge content
People across Yorkshire have raised more than £55,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research as part of the charity’s ‘We Walk for Yorkshire’ campaign.
We Walk for Yorkshire, which ran throughout May, saw more than 500 people hit a combined walking total of 33,000 miles to show their support for people with cancer and help raise vital funds for cancer research.
The campaign encouraged people to get outdoors and enjoy being active, while also raising awareness of the important role exercise plays in cancer prevention and treatment.
Hundreds of people across the region took part, either as a solo challenge or joining a team to work towards a collective target. Those taking part set their goal, with challenges ranging from a mile a day to 150 miles across the month.
The charity set a total distance target of 31,000 miles to represent the 31,000 people diagnosed with cancer each year in the region. Participants surpassed the target by more than 2,000 miles.
Allyson Kent, who has been diagnosed with cancer twice, set herself the challenge of walking the distance of a marathon each week.
Quote from Allyson Kent
I think being able to ‘Walk for Yorkshire’ is a fantastic thing, and as a proud Yorkshire woman I want to be involved and raise awareness of how the charity’s work is making a difference to people in the region.
“Since my diagnosis, while some days have been really tough, I’ve found that walking is important for my mental and physical health. I walk whatever the weather – rain, wind, snow, I’ve got to be out there for my own wellbeing.”
Allyson completed her challenge by walking 120 miles throughout May, and more than £300 raised, far surpassing her fundraising goal of £100.
Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “We Walk for Yorkshire has been an opportunity for people across the region to come together, get active and raise awareness of the importance of exercise in cancer prevention and treatment.
“It has been wonderful to see the photos and videos of people taking part and enjoying everything our beautiful region has to offer. The amount raised throughout May will help fund vital cancer research and services for people in Yorkshire.”
Employees and volunteers at Yorkshire Cancer Research set up their own team, taking on a team walk through Harrogate during May. More than 60 members of the team set off from the Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre, completing 356 miles across the afternoon.
The team was joined by people taking part in the Active Together programme, a pioneering service that offers tailored exercise, nutrition, and psychological support after a cancer diagnosis.
Quote from Dr Kathryn Scott
It was great to able to walk alongside people taking part in the Active Together programme. The service is at the heart of the Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre, and we’ve been welcoming people to the service since the end of 2023, so to be able to see those people out walking and being part of the charity’s community is really special.”
Funds raised as part of We Walk for Yorkshire will help continue to fund pioneering research and services like Active Together.
Highlights from We Walk for Yorkshire
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