Cancer Research UK is appealing for the public’s help in filling a volunteering gap in Cambridgeshire.
While the county is one of the charity’s major hubs for research and is home to the world-famous CRUK Cambridge Institute, more fundraisers are needed to support the efforts of doctors and scientists as they take new discoveries from the lab to the patient’s bedside as quickly as possible.
Ali Orr, local fundraising manager, said: “We are really lucky to have such great research taking place on our door step – discoveries being made in Cambridge that are helping us beat cancer sooner. “Unfortunately within East Anglia, about 83 people are still being diagnosed with cancer every day. We really need the support from individuals, companies and organizations to help us raise money and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”
The Cambridge Institute, based at Addenbrooke’s, was officially opened by the Queen in 2007 and is at the heart of the biggest concentration of cancer research in Europe, sitting alongside the MRC cell unit, the Addenbrooke’s oncology department and 150 other researchers.
Work has started on refurbishing the building’s top floor to house another 15 research groups, totalling 150 researchers, exploring the science behind cancer.
Prof Simon Tavare, Cambridge Institute director, explained: “This is just part of the overall Cancer Research UK mission, but in a short space of time it has had great successes.
“The key is its interdisciplinary nature and we have made important contributions to understanding aspects of cancer. This is happening because of our interactive environment and this is why people want to work here.”
He added: “But we need to maintain our position – the techology we use is expensive and doesn’t last forever – and we need to try and keep ahead of the game.
“We want to grow too, as we only have 20 group leaders so can only focus on 20 topics at one time.”
Volunteer Lisa Smith will be helping at the Cambridge Relay for Life in Wilberforce Road sports ground on September 13.
She said: “About two years ago I lost two people very suddenly to cancer within the space of three months. One was a very close friend I’d grown up with and it was really difficult.
“We did the Race for Life event that year and raised over £1,200 but after I wanted to do more to help CRUK’s work and heard about the Relay for Life. I’m now fully involved in the committee.
“It’s very rewarding knowing you are supporting such an important charity. It’s great to be involved in so many different opportunities and I’ve met so many lovely people through volunteering.”
Ali said the charity is looking individuals, companies, organisations and groups of friends to raise funds, with the hope of setting up a fundraising committee who could put on events throughout the year.
She concluded: “Sooner or later, we will beat cancer. By becoming a fundraising volunteer you can help make that day sooner.”
For more information, call Ali on 07771 987145 or email email@example.com.