Yorkshire Cancer Research is celebrating its volunteers to mark Volunteers Week (June 2 – 6).
Over the past year, volunteers at the charity have contributed 27,000 hours to help fund research and services for those with cancer. Together, their selfless efforts are helping save lives across the region – now and into the future.
The charity is now shining the spotlight on two of its volunteers who, like many others, have gone above and beyond in their duties to help the charity come closer day by day to its goal: A Yorkshire free from cancer.
George Gibson started volunteering after the sad passing of his wife
George Gibson, 77, from Hedon, started volunteering at the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Hull. Sadly, over the last 12 months, eight people close to him have passed away, including his wife, Yvonne.
Yvonne sadly passed as a result of peritoneal cancer, a rare cancer found in the lining of the abdomen. George said: “It has been a difficult year, and I struggled to cope with losing so many loved ones over such a short space of time.
“At the start of 2025, I decided I needed to do something to help me cope with my grief. I also wanted to give something back for all the support Yvonne received whilst undergoing cancer treatment. Volunteering at Yorkshire Cancer Research gave me the opportunity to do both those things.”
George volunteers twice a week at the Princes Quay store and he says it has given him a new sense of purpose and belonging. He particularly enjoys talking to others affected by cancer.
(Image: Yorkshire Cancer Research)
“Spending time in the shop takes my mind off everything. I’ve learnt so many new skills like steaming the clothes and using the till, and I like pricing and laying out the kitchenware, CDs and books on the shelves. Most of all, the shop team are fantastic. They’ve been there for me since the beginning and speaking to each other about our shared experiences is like therapy.”
George continued: “Cancer affects everybody, and you never know when it’s going to affect you. Every act of support, no matter how big or small, makes a difference. That’s why I would encourage anyone to become a volunteer at Yorkshire Cancer Research, so they can help people with cancer and their families.”
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Jan Jagger has helped to raise more than £2m to make her father proud
Jan Jagger, 78, has been with Yorkshire Cancer Research for more than three decades. Since her first fundraising event back in 1993, she has organised a wide range of events, including an impressive 22 ballroom dances.
She joined the Bridlington local volunteer group after the sad passing of her father in 1991 due to late stage lung cancer. Since then, Jan has been committed and dedicated to supporting the life-saving work of the charity and raising funds to help find new ways to diagnose cancer early.
She said: “Funding new innovations in screening is incredibly important because, as I saw with my dad, early-stage diagnosis is absolutely vital. It’s been amazing to watch as the charity has evolved, growing to support the people in Yorkshire and beyond, and that’s in part thanks to our volunteering efforts.”
Jan became Chair of the Bridlington local volunteer group in 2010 and has helped the group raise over £2 million for life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire. While she has many fond memories from fundraising, her first event back in 1993 will always hold a special place in her heart.
(Image: Yorkshire Cancer Research)
Jan said: “My husband and I used to love to go dancing with the London-based Joe Loss Orchestra, so we wanted to bring an event as special as this to Yorkshire. We began organising a dance at the Spa Royal Hall in Bridlington, but it was a lot of work for just two people.
“That’s when, by chance, the founding member of the Bridlington volunteer group walked through the doors of my shop! The committee sorted out the raffle for us and helped ensure the event was a huge success. I’ve been a member ever since.
“I remember standing on the stage that night and looking up at the lights. I knew my dad was there looking down on me, and I knew he would be proud that I was helping to raise money for life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire.”
To find out more about volunteering, visit www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk/volunteer.
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