Starry display for Yorkshire cancer charity campaign

People in Sheffield affected by cancer will have the opportunity to dedicate a star to someone they wish to recognise this Christmas.

The Yorkshire Stars campaign from Yorkshire Cancer Research was celebrated yesterday evening with a stunning visualisation of stars projected onto the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) at Sheffield Hallam University yesterday evening.

The stars represent the 600 people who are diagnosed with cancer each week in Yorkshire alone, while the choice of building highlights the innovative work being funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research at Sheffield Hallam University.

The campaign gives people the opportunity to dedicate a star to anyone affected by cancer or who has been a part of their cancer experience, whether that be a researcher, a nurse or a supportive friend.

Each star can be dedicated with a personal message and will be hosted in an online gallery as well as displayed on a Christmas tree in the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Harrogate. Stars can also be printed out to display at home or to give to a loved one.

The AWRC building is the home of Active Together, a programme funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research that provides cancer patients in Sheffield with tailored exercise, nutrition and psychological and emotional support before, during and after their treatment.

The campaign launch was attended by Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research. She said:

“This campaign gives people the opportunity to celebrate someone who has recovered from cancer, thank those who have shown their support, recognise someone going through treatment, or remember a loved one who is sadly no longer with us. It’s an opportunity to recognise them at what is traditionally a reflective and celebratory time of year.

“We are thrilled to also shine a light specifically on the Active Together programme here at Sheffield Hallam University, which supports cancer patients with pioneering treatment.

“This programme, along with other life-saving research we fund in Sheffield, is possible thanks to the funding generated by supporters across Yorkshire through campaigns just like this one."

Karen Bond, from Sheffield, knows first-hand how important this research can be as she supports her husband through his diagnosis of kidney cancer. Karen said:

“The bottom fell out of our world last Christmas when my husband, Steven, was diagnosed with kidney cancer. It all happened very quickly, but he is doing ok. I’m dedicating my star to a nurse at the hospital taking care of Steven. He is just fantastic and our go-to, and we’re really grateful for his help and support.

“Campaigns like this are a good opportunity to give the recognition to someone who deserves it, whether someone going through cancer directly, a loved one or a hospital worker, especially at Christmas.”

Professor Rob Copeland, director of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, said:

“The Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre is proud to be partnering with Yorkshire Cancer Research and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals on the flagship service, Active Together. The service is designed to help people with cancer prepare for and recover from treatment.