Star athletes ‘Step Out for Yorkshire’ in support of Yorkshire Cancer Research

Yorkshire athletes have been getting involved in the Yorkshire Cancer Research exercise and fundraising campaign ‘Step Out for Yorkshire’.

Cycling stars Harry and Charlie Tanfield, Olympic diver Daniel Goodfellow, and former England and Yorkshire cricketer Ryan Sidebottom have all been clocking up the miles in support of people with cancer in Yorkshire.

The charity is challenging people to set their own exercise goal and walk, run or cycle throughout the month of May to raise vital funds to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

T20 World Cup winner Ryan Sidebottom walked the scenic Bolton Abbey Hidden Treasures route created for the campaign and aims to complete his own target of 250 miles throughout May.

Ryan said: “I’m excited to be taking part in Step Out for Yorkshire for Yorkshire Cancer Research and walking their Hidden Treasures route in Bolton Abbey.

“They have created a really easy-to-follow route on their website, highlighting some great stops along the way including the iconic Stepping Stones and Red Lion Farm!

“I set my goal to complete 250 miles by the end of the month to fundraise for the vital work Yorkshire Cancer Research funds in our region.”

The local athletes have been exercising to help reach the charity’s fundraising target of £50,000, which will help fund experts and world-leading researchers who pioneer early cancer diagnosis and discover new and better treatments for people with cancer.

Harry Tanfield said: “Charlie and I have set out to cover 1,000 miles each in May, so 2,000 miles combined.

“Step Out for Yorkshire is a great campaign to get people out into God’s own country, especially with the funds raised to go towards vital research.

“Our mum passed away in August 2019 after an operation to remove a cancerous tumour, so we're doing this for her and to help others who are or have been affected by cancer. It’s not too late to sign up and get involved either!”

The campaign also aims to highlight the important role exercise plays in lowering the risk of cancer. Exercise before, during and after treatment for cancer has also been shown to help some people respond better to treatment and can help stop cancer coming back.

Daniel Goodfellow said: “I’m excited to be swapping the diving board for a pair of trainers and a walk around the Yorkshire countryside this May for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

“I’ve set a goal to cover 30 miles and I’ll have my girlfriend's dogs, Betty and George, by my side to keep me motivated!

“My father passed away from a brain tumour when I was younger, so it means a lot to me to be taking part in such an important cause, to raise funds and awareness for Yorkshire’s independent cancer charity.”

In Yorkshire, 30,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year. The charity aims to save 2000 lives in the region each year by funding pioneering research.

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Step Out for Yorkshire is all about giving your health and wellbeing a boost while helping to save lives and celebrating everything our beautiful region has to offer.

“That's why we're inviting people across the region to step outdoors and get moving. It’s great to have local athletes and influential voices involved to spearhead the campaign and inspire and motivate those taking part. Supporters can choose whichever exercise they love and set their own target, so everyone can join in regardless of their experience or abilities.

“All funds raised through donations and sponsorship will go towards essential work and research funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, which is now more important than ever before as we begin to tackle the impact of the pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of people with cancer.”