People in Hull and across Yorkshire, including cancer survivors, have helped to raise over £100,000 to celebrate a century of life-saving cancer breakthroughs and progress in the region. To mark the 100th year of Yorkshire Cancer Research, hundreds of supporters took part in the 2025 We Walk for Yorkshire challenge and the Yorkshire Three Peaks, walking over 30,000 miles across the region and beyond.
Yorkshire Cancer Research funds £64 million of cancer research and services, including 25 clinical trials, giving people across the region the opportunity to take part in and benefit from innovative cancer research.
The funds raised from these events will help the charity bring more pioneering cancer research and services to Yorkshire communities, so people can live longer, healthier lives, and share more time with the people they love.
Here are some of the inspiring fundraisers who have stepped out in solidarity to bring more cancer cures to the region.
Mark Singleton, 51 and from Roundhay, walked the three Yorkshire Peaks for three people in his life who sadly passed away from cancer in 2024.
Mark said: “With every peak I thought about each special person in my life: my mum, Pat, our family friend, Steve, and my work colleague, Eugene. The hike was difficult but thinking about the physical and mental challenges they all faced during cancer treatment pushed me to keep going. I was blown away by the support that outpoured from our community.”
Mark raised over £3,600 to help fund vital research so more people with cancer in Yorkshire can benefit from advancements in cancer treatments.
Louise Hatfield, aged 58 and from Ferriby, walked to contribute to ground-breaking cancer research in a way that was accessible to her. Following a breast cancer diagnosis 13 years ago, Louise was left unable to walk without a mobility aid after developing paraneoplastic neurological syndrome. This is a rare side effect of cancer where the immune system attacks parts of the nervous syndrome.
Louise said: “I used to be a very active, independent person, so my cancer experience altered my life completely. Taking part in We Walk for Yorkshire helped me feel more capable and confident. It meant I could accept my physical limitations while ensuring I could still support the charity’s crucial work.”
Alice Hildred, aged 38 and from York, was recovering from thyroid cancer surgery in March when she decided to walk for Yorkshire this year. Her family have been with her every step of the way.
Alice said: “It’s been difficult being unwell after my cancer treatment, so I wanted to find something positive to focus on for both me and my loved ones. Some days were tricker than others, but taking part in the challenge with my mum, stepdad, partner and sister was such an encouraging way to check my progress and celebrate the little wins.”
Yorkshire Cancer Research brings vital expertise and knowledge in cancer research to the region, working with 710 researchers and cancer experts to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
Professor Munitta Muthana, a researcher funded by the Yorkshire Cancer Research Sheffield Pioneers Fund, is pioneering a new cancer treatment technique using magnetic bacteria which aims to reduce complications for people undergoing treatment. She walked alongside her colleagues at the University of Sheffield to give something back to the charity that has enabled her to pursue her passion for cancer research.
Munitta said: “Born and bred in Sheffield, I feel really close to this city and proud to be part of its thriving research community. It’s such a privilege for a local charity to support the research project we’re working on here, which we hope will change many lives. The generous amounts made through challenges like We Walk for Yorkshire go onto fund the next generation of cancer researchers in Yorkshire, including the three young talented scientists that will join my team.”