The charity is putting the spotlight on people who have helped to raise funds and awareness
Yorkshire Cancer Research is sharing some of the inspiring people who have helped them raise money and awareness in recent months. Among the list is Beverley woman, Lucy Kendrick, who ran the Great North Run this year.
The 44-year-old ran for her family friend, Jade Ashworth. Jade’s life took an unexpected turn in March 2025 when she attended an optician’s appointment after months of migraines, sensitivity to light and other symptoms that concerned her.
The opticians were so worried by the swelling around her eyes that she was sent straight to A&E. Less than ten days after the initial scan, Jade was in hospital for surgery.
Jade said: “All I heard was that I had an aggressive brain tumour and may only have 18 months left. From there, it was a whirlwind.”
She continued: “Even though it was one of the hardest times of my life, I was determined to keep a positive outlook throughout. They were thankfully able to remove most of the tumour and following the surgery, I was told I would need less treatment than they had initially thought.
“The day before my birthday I was told the cancer could be treated with radiotherapy. Now, I just want to enjoy every day to the full.”
Jade is now returning to her regular routine, enjoying baking, being with her loved ones and dancing on stage. Her friend Lucy wanted to support Jade by taking part in the Great North Run.
Lucy said: “Thinking of her kept me going throughout my training and during the race. I knew that if Jade could get through her cancer diagnosis and come out the other side dancing, I could get through 13 miles!”
Yorkshire Cancer Research said that nearly 8,000 miles were clocked across challenge events in the region, including the Great North Run and Yorkshire Marathon. From events so far this year, a total of £233,000 has been raised.
The charity said challenge events are a vital way for supporters in Yorkshire to raise crucial funds and help the charity in its life-saving mission to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Yorkshire Cancer Research currently funds £75 million of cancer research and services, giving 182,000 people in Yorkshire and beyond the opportunity to take part in innovative clinical trials, treatments and research-backed services.
Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “It’s been an incredible year for challenge events, with people from across Yorkshire setting ambitious goals and taking on remarkable distances for a cancer-free future. Thank you to the dedicated fundraisers who have contributed to ground-breaking cancer research and helped to save lives in Yorkshire.”
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