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Baton for Yorkshire

We Walk for Yorkshire

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The Baton for Yorkshire Journey Across 35 Yorkshire Locations Completed 🎉

The Baton for Yorkshire journey is now complete as Katie walked the final leg to the Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre where she crossed the finish line. 

Katie, from Garforth in Leeds, was the final baton bearer in a relay that has travelled 500 miles across 35 locations throughout Yorkshire - representing the 35,000 people in our region diagnosed with cancer each year.

Crossing the finish line marked a deeply emotional and personal milestone, as her relationship with exercise changed following her diagnosis with blood cancer two years ago. After being diagnosed, Katie joined the Active Together Service in Harrogate, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, which was pivotal in helping her regain her strength and confidence. 

Taking part in the final leg of the relay was a celebration of her own progress and the support she has received from family, friends and healthcare professionals. She was joined by close family, as well as Andy, one of charity's cancer exercise specialists who helped her rebuild her strength after cancer treatment. 

As she made her way towards the finish, Katie carried the baton on behalf of everyone affected by cancer.

"Its a message to people that you can live on with cancer, live a really full-functioning and happy life"

Cheering at the finish line were Yorkshire Cancer Research employees, fellow baton-bearers, volunteers and charity supporters. 

At the finish, Katie spoke about what carrying the baton means to her and impact Active Together has had on her life. This was followed by a speech from Neil, Director of Fundraising and Supporter Experience, who shared some of the messages carried inside the baton, words from people across Yorkshire about who they are walking for and why. 

Each leg of the journey has been powered by community spirit, determination and shared commitment. Every mile walked has brought us closer to a Yorkshire free from cancer - thank you 💙

Final Leg through North Yorkshire 💙

The final day of the Baton for Yorkshire relay began in Harrogate, where Lisa carried the baton from the Yorkshire Cancer Research Harrogate shop to Hornbeam Park, joined by friends for this penultimate leg of journey. 

After being diagnosed with cancer in October 2023, Lisa didn't know if or when she would be able to return to running, something she had loved since childhood. 

Following surgery and during her treatment, Lisa focused on gentle recovery, making time for regular walks to get fresh air and stay active, later joining friends for short, gentle runs to a local coffee shop. 

A turning point also came through Active Together, which helped Lisa rebuild her strength and confidence through fitness sessions with the team at the Yorkshire Cancer Research centre in Harrogate.

"Coming to Active Together has helped me get 'me' back" she shared. 

Now 53 and living in Harrogate with her family, Lisa is once again enjoying movement and embracing the positive impact it has on her health and wellbeing. 

Setting off from the Harrogate shop, Lisa and her friends walked together towards Hornbeam Park for the Baton's final stretch to the Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre at Hornbeam Park. 

Encouraging others to get involved, Lisa has championed Yorkshire Cancer Research's We Walk for Yorkshire campaign, inviting people to get outdoors, stay active and contribute to a collective goal of walking 35,000 miles during May. 

"Enjoy the fresh air, enjoy the health and wellbeing feelings that you get from getting outside in nature and just generally doing exercise" she said. 

The Baton on the move through Knaresborough 🗺️

On Wednesday 27 May, the baton journey continued from the Yorkshire Cancer Research Knaresborough shop as volunteer Janet carried the baton through to the Yorkshire Cancer Research Harrogate shop. 

Janet first got involved in volunteering after losing her husband to cancer, wanting to connect with others and support a cause close to her heart. Her passion for charity shops and sustainable fashion led her to join the Knaresborough team, where she now plays an important role behind the scenes to repair donated clothing, ensuring every item that could be sold is in the best possible condition, even often creating her own pieces from second hand fabrics. 

She was joined by Shop manager Emily and a group of volunteers for part of the route through Knaresborough, making their way through the town past some of its most iconic sights, including a stop at the well-known viaduct. 

After this, Janet continued the journey towards Harrogate, where she met members of the Harrogate shop team. Together, they walked the final stretch of this leg, bringing the baton into the Yorkshire Cancer Research Harrogate shop. 

The Baton Journey Continues from the York Superstore ⭐

On 26 May, volunteer Liz proudly carried the Baton for Yorkshire from the Yorkshire Cancer Research superstore in York to the Knaresborough shop. 

Opened earlier this year, the flagship store is the largest Yorkshire Cancer Research shop to date and a significant step forward in the charity's mission to fund life-saving research across the region.

Holding the baton for 35,000 people diagnosed with cancer each year, Liz was joined by fellow volunteers who made their way to the Knaresborough shop. Here they passed the baton to shop manager Emily to continue the final leg of the relay through North Yorkshire. 

Baton by the sea in Scarborough 🌞

The Baton for Yorkshire's journey continued from the coast with Anne who set off from the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Scarborough, just a short distance from the much-loved South Bay Beach. 

Anne is a retired nurse, and was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine screening in March 2022 and had surgery at York hospital just two months later. While her diagnosis and treatment were swift, Anne found the road to recovery more challenging. 

Having always lived an active life, she struggled to rebuild her strength after surgery. That changed when she began taking part in Active Together, a research backed exercise programme funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research and designed by Sheffield Hallam University's Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, supporting people to prepare for and recover from cancer treatment through tailored physical activity. 

Accessing the programme hasn't been easy, Anne currently travels by bus and two trains to reach the nearest service in Harrogate. Her experience highlights why the charity is working to expand Active Together across Yorkshire, so more people can benefit from this essential support closer to home. 

Today, Anne is back to enjoying long walks along the beach with her husband, Andy, and she is passionate about ensuring others can access the same support she received. 

Reflecting on her lifelong love of staying active, she added: "I've always love exercise, and I'm a big believer that getting up and out the house can make you feel at least a little bit better 100% of the time. When it came to Active Together, it turns out I was right" 

Anne took the baton all the way through to York where the journey will continue from the new Yorkshire Cancer Research superstore.

Continuing the charity's legacy in Northallerton 💙

The record-breaking temperatures did nothing to stop Phil Foxton from walking and cycling his way from Northallerton to Thirsk in memory of his mother-in-law. 

Having grown up in Thirsk, Phil lived around the UK before returning to Yorkshire with his family. While the move home was something he had been looking forward to, it coincided with the news that his mother-in-law, Liz Dunn, had been diagnosed with late-stage brain cancer. Sadly, Liz had limited treatment options available to her and she died in 2005.

In the 1990s, Liz had been Secretary of her local Yorkshire Cancer Research volunteer group and helped establish the charity's first shop in Northallerton, helping to raise vital funds to support pioneering cancer research in the region. 

Following in Liz's footsteps, Phil now volunteers at the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Northallerton. 

"When I carried the Baton for Yorkshire, I thought of my family - those we've sadly lost and those continuing their legacy today"

A Skipton Shop Stopover 🛍️

After arriving in Skipton, the Baton for Yorkshire's journey continued with volunteer Jack, who collected the baton from the Yorkshire Cancer Research Craven court shop on Friday 22 May. 

Since opening in 2023, this much-loved store has become a key part of the local community, welcoming thousands of visitors and raising over £645,000 to fund pioneering cancer research, made possible by the incredible generosity of people in Skipton and beyond. 

The baton set off again the following day. This time, the teams from both of Skipton's Yorkshire Cancer Research shops joined together for a group walk. 

Together, they made their way through Skipton and onwards towards Kildwick, covering an impressive 4.2 miles to kickstart the Baton for Yorkshire's final leg across North Yorkshire. 

West Yorkshire = complete ✅

On Friday 22 May, long term Yorkshire Cancer Research fundraiser's Wendy and Boyd continued the Baton for Yorkshire's journey from Huddersfield to Bradford Interchange. Making their way through Bradford city centre, they passed some of the city's most recognisable landmarks, including the University of Bradford, one of several universities across the region working alongside Yorkshire Cancer Research to drive forward vital cancer research. 

From there, they continued the journey north to the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Craven Court shopping centre, Skipton, marking the completion of the West Yorkshire leg of the Baton for Yorkshire journey. 

Since 2016, Wendy and Boyd have raised over £41,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research through a range of much-love community events in Clayton, Bradford, where they have lived all their lives. From raffles and race nights o bingo, their events have brought people together for a shared cause, helping to save lives in Yorkshire. 

Wendy and Boyd said: "We have seen many family members and friends affected by cancer, so we will continue to host events and do whatever we can to help make a difference to people with cancer. By fundraising for Yorkshire Cancer Research, we hope to give families in Yorkshire more time together" 

Together, lets walk for new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. 

Leeds Baton journey reaches Look North Studio! 🎥

Yesterday, the Baton for Yorkshire continued its journey through Leeds from the Queens Hotel to the Look North Studio, carried by Karen and Jade from Yeadon who continued their involvement in the Baton for Yorkshire relay with this poignant Leeds leg to pass the baton to Stephen Jennings. 

In 2022, Stephen was travelling when he received a phone call from his doctor about the results of an ultrasound investigating ongoing abdominal pain. Further tests revealed a fast-growing mass in his abdomen, and following blood tests and a biopsy, he was diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer. He went on to undergo an intense course of treatment, including multiple rounds of chemotherapy at St James's Hospital in Leeds, major surgery, and a procedure to fit a temporary stoma following complications. In May 2024, he was given the all-clear and now has regular tests and scans to monitor his health. 

Stephen said: "Treatments like chemotherapy played a huge role in saving my life. Walking through Leeds as part of We Walk for Yorkshire - a city where researchers contributed to the development of chemotherapy - feels incredibly special"

He concluded: "Carrying the Baton for Yorkshire offers another opportunity to inspire people to get themselves checked and raise awareness that early diagnosis saves lives, all while raising funds for important cancer research in our region"

Reaching the Look North Studio marked a key moment in the day, where Stephen Jennings and Yorkshire Cancer Research's Fundraising and Supporter Experience Director, Neil, were interviewed, helping to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and the need for more research. Stephen, then carried the Baton for Yorkshire from Leeds to his hometown of Huddersfield where hill complete a walk on Castle Hill.

Baton for Yorkshire carried through birthplace of Yorkshire's cancer charity 🙌

On 21st May, the Baton for Yorkshire was carried in Leeds, the birthplace of Yorkshire Cancer Research and a city with over a century of life-saving cancer breakthroughs, as the charity marks another milestone in its landmark baton relay. 

The Leeds leg of the relay began with a handover at the University of Leeds, home to a century of pioneering cancer breakthroughs funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research. This includes the early foundations of chemotherapy in 1929, world-leading advancements in bowel cancer surgery in the 1980s and todays cutting-edge clinical trials saving and improving lives in Yorkshire and beyond. The baton was passed by Rebecca Day from the APHRODITE trial and Daniel McRae from FOxTROT 2 and 3 to Yorkshire Cancer Research ambassador and former ITV Calendar presenter Christine Talbot, who carried it through Leeds in recognition of the early breakthroughs and the life-saving cancer treatments she received in the city after her own cancer diagnosis. 

In 2012, during her 20-year career as main presenter of ITV Calendar, Christine was diagnosed with a fast-growing type of breast cancer and was treated at St James's Hospital and The Spire in Leeds. Receiving the baton at the University of Leeds held particular significance for Christine, as chemotherapy; first developed through early research in the city supported by Yorkshire Cancer Research, formed a central part of her treatment. 

Christine carried the baton to the Queens Hotel, home of Yorkshire Cancer Research's first fundraising appeal 100 years ago where it was handed over to members of Active Leeds at Leeds City Council, who carried the baton as part of their community fundraising walk. The walk, led by Neil Jones, Workplaces Health and Wellbeing Lead at Leeds City Council, passed by some of the city's most iconic landmarks and formed part of Council's Leeds 400 initiative, a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Leeds receiving its first Royal Charter from King Charles I in 1626. Neil then passed the baton to Yorkshire Cancer Research volunteer Karen Cretton, from Yeadon. 

When asked about why she is supporting the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research, Christine said: "Yorkshire has been my home for most of my life and its people mean a great deal to me. While its sad that survival rate are particularly low in this region, I believe the work being done here will continue to move us closer to a world where fewer lives are lost to cancer"

A legacy of research in Leeds 💙

Continuing the Baton for Yorkshires journey in Leeds on International Clinical Trials Day were Rebecca Day and Daniel McRae, researchers leading innovative clinical trials to find new and better ways to treat cancer. 

They collected the baton at the University of Leeds, home to over a century of pioneering breakthroughs supported by Yorkshire Cancer Research. 

Rebecca is part of the team delivering the APHRODITE trial, exploring whether higher doses of radiotherapy for people with rectal cancer can increase the chances of cancer disappearing completely, without significantly increasing side effects.

Alongside other members of the APHRODITE research team, she was also joined by Daniel who works on the FOxTROT 2 and 3 trials. These are international trials investigating how outcomes for bowel cancer patients can be improved by offering certain treatments, such as chemotherapy, before surgery. 

Tomorrow, the baton's journey will continue through West Yorkshire in recognition of the 35,000 people diagnosed in every year in Yorkshire.

The Baton for Yorkshire marks International Clinical Trials Day 💡

Today, on International Clinical Trials Day, the Baton for Yorkshire has been proudly carried through Leeds from the Research and Innovation Centre at St James's Hospital by Suzanne Rogerson and the Leeds Lung Health Check team.

Suzanne began her career supporting people with cancer after qualifying as a nurse at St James's Hospital, her passion for research leading to her becoming the Lead Nurse in Research and Innovation at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust for the Leeds Lung Health Check. 

Funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research and delivered in partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospitals and the University of Leeds, the Leeds Lung Health Check was one of the UKs largest lung screening trials. The programme used a mobile unit to bring screening directly into communities so people at higher risk of lung cancer could have access to potentially life-saving scans, helping to detect cancer earlier. 

The NHS took over running the Leeds Lung Health Check when the trial ended in 2024 so that people in Yorkshire will still continue to have access to life-saving screening, and the trial has also played a crucial role in shaping the UK Government's plans for a national lung screening programme.

Suzanne and the research team continue to support Yorkshire Cancer Research by taking part in We Walk for Yorkshire each year, including an annual 12 mile walk. Today, the team are carrying the Baton for Yorkshire to continue to shine a light on the need for new and better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer in Yorkshire. 

"I am walking for everyone who participates in clinical trials and contributes to life saving developments and to improving future treatments"

A warm welcome in Yeadon by family, friends and four-legged supporters 🐾

Today, Karen and her niece Jade continued the Baton for Yorkshire's journey through West Yorkshire in Yeadon. 

Karen, who used to work in a primary school, was one of the first people to join the volunteer team at the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Yeadon, keen to learn skills and make new friends while supporting life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire. Jade, who is 34 and a mum to two girls, also regularly visited the store to find high-quality, pre-loved clothing for her daughters. 

Setting off from the Yorkshire Cancer Research Yeadon shop, Karen and Jade were joined by family, friends and their dogs as they made their ways through the town, including a stop at Jades daughters Primary School where they were welcomed with cheers. 

In February this year, Jade was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. As she continues her recovery from her second cancer operation, Karen and Jade signed up for this year's We Walk for Yorkshire challenge and have named themselves the 'Blister Sisters' team, carrying the Baton for Yorkshire as part of their commitment to step out this May with their three dogs. 

Jade said: " I would encourage other people to take part in 'We Walk for Yorkshire' as the work Yorkshire Cancer Research does is amazing. It can change peoples lives; it already has, including my own"

Ilkley shop team carry the Baton for Yorkshire 💙

The Baton for Yorkshire made its way through Ilkley yesterday, carried by the Yorkshire Cancer Research Ilkley shop manager, Shindo, and a fantastic team of volunteers.

Setting off on a three mile route, the group enjoyed a scenic walk through some of Ilkley's landmarks. They began on the town's iconic promenade, where the Yorkshire Cancer Research Shop is located, through to Darwin Gardens.

The baton has now been passed on to the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Yeadon, continuing the West Yorkshire leg of the relay.

A shop hop through West Yorkshire 🛍️

On Friday, the Baton for Yorkshire made its way through Castleford, carried by Gemma and Rae from the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop at Carlton Lanes Shopping Centre. 

Walking five miles through the heart of the town, they showed their support for the 35,000 people diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire each year - leaving a personal message inside the baton about their reasons for getting involved.

The baton for Yorkshire's next stop will be the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Ilkley.

A journey through Wakefield 🥾

Yesterday, former Active Together member Rebecca Clegg carried the Baton for Yorkshire through Wakefield, setting off from Sun Lane Leisure Centre and walking through Thornes Park alongside friends and members of the Active Together team. 

Rebecca, a former nurse, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in November 2024 after struggling with dizziness and fatigue. She says exercise was vital to her recovery and believes every person diagnosed with cancer should be able to benefit from services like Active Together. 

"Active Together is just the best thing that ever happened to me. It helped me physically, it helped me mentally, and it helped me socially. It was the one place I could go and not feel the odd one out" 

The Baton for Yorkshire was passed to Gemma and the team at the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Castleford, where it will continue its journey across West Yorkshire.

The Baton for Yorkshire is on the move! 👟

The Baton for Yorkshire journey has continued on its final stretch of South Yorkshire, carried by the fantastic Active Together Barnsley team. 

Setting off from Barnsley Metrodome, Rhys, Millie, Mark and team were today's Yorkshire Cancer Research baton-bearers, carrying the baton onwards as they made their way to Wakefield. 

The journey ended at Sun Lane Leisure Centre in Wakefield, where the baton was passed to Rebecca Clegg, ready for the next stage of its incredible journey across Yorkshire. 

📍'Baton for Yorkshire' update

Today, Neil Garner, previous Active Together participant and charity supporter, proudly carried the baton alongside his daughter. Together, they took the baton from the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop at Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre in Sheffield, where Neil volunteers, through to Barnsley Metrodome, where he met the Barnsley Active Together team. 

Neil lives in Sheffield and has enjoyed walking since he was young. After being diagnosed with bowel cancer in May 2022, he received treatment at Weston Park Hospital in Sheffield. 

Following his treatment, his late friends Graham and Kevin inspired him to take part in We Walk for Yorkshire in 2024. Neil walked a total of 187 miles and raised over £800 in his first year, and has taken part each May since, sharing regular updates of his walks and incredible fundraising efforts. 

Together, we are walking to help fund new and better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer 💙

The journey through Sheffield continues… 🗺️

After completing their leg of the relay, Yorkshire Cancer Research ambassadors Johnny Nelson MBE and Aaron Casserly Stewart handed the Baton for Yorkshire to Simon Twigge at Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre.

Here, Simon took part in Active Together, the research-backed cancer exercise treatment, after he was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2024.

“Walking got me through my cancer treatment and became a daily reminder that I was getting stronger once again, so the We Walk for Yorkshire campaign holds a special place in my heart and I’m excited to be carrying the Baton for Yorkshire.”

Simon carried the Baton for Yorkshire a total of eight miles, taking it to the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop at Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre, where he was met by Neil Garner who will continue its journey through Sheffield and onto Barnsley.

Yorkshire Cancer Research ambassadors carry the Baton for Yorkshire 💙

Yorkshire Cancer Research ambassadors Johnny Nelson MBE and Aaron Casserly Stewart carried the Baton for Yorkshire through the city of Sheffield.

Johnny was walking in support of his friend, Aaron, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024. They took part in the relay to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and the need for new and better treatments.

Johnny said: “For me, carrying the Baton for Yorkshire is about people coming together and backing the research that can genuinely change and save lives. I’m glad to play a small part and to walk for Aaron, and for everyone across Yorkshire affected by cancer.” 

Researchers in the spotlight 💡

The Baton for Yorkshire began its journey through Sheffield today, carried by a team of University of Sheffield researchers working on the innovative E-IMMUNE study, which is developing a new digital app to help people undergoing immunotherapy better monitor and manage their side effects to improve their quality of life.

Researchers were joined by people with cancer who are working closely with the team to co-design the app, ensuring it can have the greatest impact for people receiving immunotherapy treatment.

One of those people is 66-year-old Ian Boswell from Sheffield, who has been living with cancer for 11 years and started immunotherapy 18 months ago.

“Being involved in the E-IMMUNE study has been really rewarding. It feels good to know I’m contributing to research that could help others in the future.”

The group carried the Baton for Yorkshire from the University of Sheffield, through the picturesque Weston Park and onto Peace Gardens for its next leg of the journey.

Pedalling onto Sheffield 🚲

The Baton for Yorkshire continued its journey through South Yorkshire today, travelling from Rotherham Care Centre to the University of Sheffield, carried by Amy Earnshaw.

Amy is from the Active Together team at Rotherham Care Centre, and cycled the baton to its next stop, showing the different ways of getting involved in We Walk for Yorkshire to help fund life-saving cancer research. 

Every mile clocked brings us closer to a Yorkshire free from cancer 💙

The Baton continues on💙

Today, the Baton for Yorkshire travelled from Doncaster to Rotherham, carried by David Bottomley, alongside his friends and Claire from the Active Together Doncaster team. 

David took part in Active Together Doncaster after receiving major surgery for bowel cancer, the Active Together service playing a key role in helping David return to being active. 

In an interview recounting his Active Together experience, David said:

"I would recommend anyone of any age to get moving and exercise, start slowly and build it up. You will soon see the positive changes not only in your physical health but also in your mental wellbeing."

The baton was carried to Rotherham Care Centre where the Active Together Rotherham service is based.

📍'Baton for Yorkshire' update

Today, the Baton for Yorkshire began its journey through South Yorkshire in Doncaster, carried by baton-bearer Nicky Tschumi‑Leake, to recognise the 35,000 people in Yorkshire diagnosed with cancer each year.

Nicky took the baton through Doncaster Racecourse all the way to the Doncaster Dome, where she met Active Together Doncaster team member Claire.

Across the Humber and on to Doncaster 💙

Yesterday, the Yorkshire Cancer Research Baton for Yorkshire reached an iconic landmark – the Humber Bridge in Hessle.

The Baton was proudly carried across the bridge by Dr Cindy Forbes alongside the CANBenefit research team, who are based at Hull York Medical School helping to address health inequalities in Hull and across Yorkshire.

After crossing the bridge, the baton was collected by Nicky Tschumi Leake, who continued its journey towards Doncaster, and will carry the baton onwards to its next stop at the Doncaster Dome.

A day in sunny Sewerby 🌞

Joined by friends from parkrun, Josie Clark completed the next leg of the relay, taking in the stunning views from Sewerby Cliffs near Bridlington.

Josie chose to carry the Baton for Yorkshire to enjoy time outdoors and reclaim moments she lost to her cancer treatment.

“The Yorkshire coast and countryside is a wonderful place to walk. I like what it does for your mind; walking is so mentally beneficial for you.”

The baton will now continue its journey across East Yorkshire, with the iconic Humber Bridge as its next stop.

The Baton for Yorkshire is on the move! 💙

The Yorkshire Cancer Research Baton for Yorkshire has passed through Driffield from Hull, carried by baton-bearer Jayne Hussey and the team at Smailes Goldie who stepped away from their desks to enjoy the sunshine and help fund life-saving research for people in Yorkshire.

Jayne said: "I feel proud knowing my colleagues and I are raising funds for research that will save lives."

Jayne passed the baton to Josie, who walked with her friends from her beloved parkrun group. 

Together, let's walk for new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. 


📍’Baton for Yorkshire’ update

The Yorkshire Cancer Research Baton relay officially began yesterday at the charity’s centre in Hull, launched with our first baton bearer, Josie Clark, alongside the Active Together team. Together, they walked from the Active Together Hull centre to the University of Hull, carrying the Baton for Yorkshire.

At the University of Hull, the baton was passed to Dr Cecilia Pompili and two teams of researchers funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research – the NEOREHAB and CANBenefit research groups who proudly carried the baton through Pearson Park.

The baton’s first day concluded with its arrival at Smailes Goldie, Hull‑based corporate fundraisers, who will be continuing its journey through East Yorkshire to Driffield, carried by baton bearer Jayne Hussey.

🎉The Journey Begins!

Today, the Yorkshire Cancer Research 'Baton for Yorkshire' starts its month-long journey across 35 iconic Yorkshire  locations in Hull, carried by Josie and the Active Together Hull team. 

Josie is holding the baton for 35,000 people diagnosed with cancer each year and inspiring others to join the charitys life saving mission to find new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire.

Follow the Baton for Yorkshire journey

Researchers, people with cancer and charity supporters are taking part in a Yorkshire-wide baton relay as part of this year’s We Walk for Yorkshire challenge.

Throughout May, the Baton for Yorkshire will travel through 35 locations across the region to recognise the 35,000 people diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire each year.

From Yorkshire's historic cities and rural market towns to the scenic coast and the iconic Dales, baton-bearers are passing the baton from person to person - each united by a shared commitment to help save lives in the region, and beyond.

Visit this page for regular updates on the baton's journey, find out more about the people carrying it, and donate to help bring more life-saving cancer research to our region.

Our impact

13

Team members

1,721,659

Team distance

Our donations could fund a researcher for

44

days

Top fundraisers of individuals part of the team

Team leaderboards

Top fundraisers of individuals part of the team

Most miles of individuals part of the team

Thank you to our Sponsors

£250

D Shenton

Dedicated in memory of Ernest Shenton

£230

Friends At Clayton Conservative Club

£212

Janice Clark

£200

Mortimers

We are all cheering you on Josie!

£200

Paul Clark

Amazing achievement

£150

Mike And Rachel Kirkwood

Well done Josie, Such an amazing thing to do .. be proud 🥰xx

£106

Debbie Bell

Amazing cause Simon!!! We both know that someone very special will be with you all the way!! Fantastic news that you have now completed such a gruelling treatment regime ❤️

£106

Andrew P Jackson

Good Luck to each and everyone of you taking part in this extraordinary event. You really are making a difference.

£75

David Bottomley

£74

Anonymous

£74

Adam Darwin

Good luck with your endeavours, great cause keep up the good work

£53

Ken Shirtliff

£53

Colin Carol Willoughby

Wishing you all the best Simon with your walk for a great cause, lots of love Colin and Carol x

£53

Graeme And Debs

£53

Kenneth Mcqueen

£53

Lucy Oldershaw

Good luck Dad!

£53

Helen And Bob

£53

Rachel

Very proud of you Simon - an incredible determination. You can do this x

£53

Dave

Bless you Simon x

£53

Beryl Brocklesby

£53

Andrew

£53

Stuart Willoughby

£53

Simone Snyder

You are amazing! All my love xxx

£53

Lee Nelson

£53

Debra D

£53

Anonymous

£53

Sam Clark

£52

Rosie Stephenson

Good luck Josie. Every little step is a step forwards.xx

£50

Emma Jennings

£50

John Bottomley

Good effort bro

£43

Isabel And David

Best of luck Simon! What a fantastic way to celebrate your birthday and a thoroughly deserving cause. Isabel and David xxx

£43

Tracy Stokes

Fantastic job Jo doing this to benefit others 😘Tx

£37

Joy And Bev Paul

£35

Caroline , Janet And Mike

£35

Deborah Woolf

Such a wonderful charity Simon and so good to know they supported you when you needed them. Happy walking, go safely 😘

£35

Mohammad-bournemouth

£33

Carol Hall

£32

Jan Glendening

Good luck, Simon. You’ll smash it! Xx

£32

Ali P

Good luck! Happy birthday!!

£32

Tony &colleen Hunt

Well done you, enjoy your walk xx

£32

Karen Bradley

Well done 🏃🏻With Love, Karen

£32

Andrew Birks

£32

Cathy Birks

£30

Harry And Kate

Wish you the best David!

£30

Hollie

Well done!

£27

Sue

You're a true inspiration Simon, what a beautiful heart you have 💜💛💚💙🩷🩵🧡 I'm sooo proud to know you x x x

£26

Facebook Donation

£25

Simon And Abi

Well done Steve!!

£25

Nigel Tooze

£23

Joanne Bennett

£23

Jean, John And Family

Well done on completing the Y3P and wishing you all the best for the rest of your challenge

£23

Janette And Rob

£23

Emma & Gary Palmer

£23

Anonymous

£22

Simon Howard

🥰

£22

Hazel Allbones

Well done Simon. Good luck. Xx

£22

Rachel Emerson

£22

John Schofield

All the best to you Josie John & Liz

£22

Hannah Watson

Fantastic cause Simon. Happy tramping xx

£22

Jane Lomax

Good Luck - with you every step of the way XXXX Jane

£22

Mick N

Good luck on the walk and so glad you are back fit and well

£22

Jo Towler

£22

Adam & Laura

A fantastic cause! Best of luck on all your miles (and if you fancy a longish walk from the peaks back to Sheffield let us know).

£22

Sarah Razlin

£22

Katherine Medway

You are amazing! Lots of love Katherine, Sarah and Kit xxx

£22

Sue Hyde

Good luck Simon xx

£22

Sarndra Devereux

You’re awesome Simon, love you to bits Xx.

£22

Patricia Moore

good luck josie

£22

Neelam Bilkhu

All the best Simon hope you are on the road to recovery.

£22

Neil Grossart

£22

Matthew Power

Simon a great cause and glad you in recovery.

£22

Fiona Price

£22

Neil Sheriff

Good luck & enjoy the walk

£22

Anonymous

£22

Sandra King

Good luck Josie xxx

£22

Pip Wraithmell

Good luck Josie, you’ve got this ….

£22

Martin Ginnelly

So proud of what you are doing, something close to me and my wife ❤️

£22

Hannah & Ross

Well done Josie !

£22

David Leeder

£22

Judith Byas

£22

Ella Cox

Best of luck Simon - so inspiring!!

£22

Janet Wilshaw

Go Simon! Sending you all the love from all of us! xxxxxxxx

£22

Catherine Hewitt

Best of luck up and down those hills Simon! Hope you enjoy your birthday challenge 🥳

£22

Ally Matthews

All the very best Simon, we will be thinking of you all the way x

£22

Miss Sarah Davidson

£22

Gemma Adams

£22

Sweety Thengazhikathu

Dear E immune team….lets do it…..Best wishes for the Project 👍

£22

Sharon Darlington

£22

Paula Mckie

Your an inspiration Josie, keep on walking 🚶‍♀️ xx

£22

Caroline Legard

£22

Alice King

£22

Josie Clark

£22

Jasper

Good Luck ✌️

£22

Annette Dennis

£22

Boyd & Wendy Midgley

£22

Martin Barmby

Go cousin, proud of you!

£22

Emily Hakner

Great work Josie!

£22

Sue Megginson

Well done Josie. Keep going! X

£22

Simon Twigge

£22

Julie Hakner

Well done Josie, you’ve got this!

£22

David Bottomley

£22

Mark Stenton

£22

Wendy Midgley

£22

Paul Williams

£22

Carolynn Warley

£21

Trinny

Hope the weather is nice.

£20

Facebook Donation

£20

Karen

£20

The Tattersalls

Best of luck

£20

Anne

£20

Josh Macdonald

£20

Kaylee Hewitt

£20

Clare Foster

Great cause Josie. Well done you 🤗

£20

Wendy

£20

Denise Hall

Good luck Simon you are an inspiration to us all with your positivity Denise x

£20

Mick Ross

£20

Mary Fair

£20

Paul Koller

Good luck to everyone involved in the Baton Relay but especially to my dear friend Dave Bottomley whose strength, determination, positivity and support is an example to us all who face or are having cancer treatment. Love you Botts.

£20

Joanne Slater

£20

Christine And David Hodgson

£20

Katrina

Glad to hear you are doing well and helping others, Simon!

£20

Terry Gillespie

£20

Michael And Lizi

£20

Elyse Boyle

Proud of you both, keep smashing it! ❤️

£20

Anonymous

Keeeeep walking!

£20

Helen And Steve

£20

The Bonnetts

Well done Simon!

£20

Jonathen Haigh

Delighted to help you reach your target.

£20

Anonymous

£20

David Ross

£20

Lee Brown

£20

Alison Sowersby

£20

Jurgen

£20

Claire And Steve

£20

Dave And Jane

£20

John & Karen Summers

£20

Jenny Jenkinson

Josie ~ you are truly INSPIRATIONAL. xxx

£20

Fred And Janet Gilroy

£20

Christine Sissons

£20

Brian Ashton

£20

Helen Harrison

Wow Josie, what an inspirational lady you are.... Good luck xxx

£20

Debbie Williamson

Best of luck Josie. Xx

£17

Sandra Readman

Enjoy your walks

£15

Anonymous

£15

Harry & Alice

£12

Joanne Kirby

Good luck lovely xx

£12

Aimee Smith

Amazing and inspirational ♥️

£12

Sarah Lloyd

Great job Simon!

£12

Stephen Jennings

£12

Dave, Emma And Amber

Well done Stephen, an inspiration

£12

Philippa

Great cause Stephen, go for it!

£12

Michael Ward

£12

James Bevan

£12

John Fox

£12

Marie Sheader

Good luck Josie and keep fighting .

£12

John Feltham

For a great cause, good luck mate!

£12

Anonymous

£11

Stephen Wardley

£11

Rog

Great cause

£11

Debby Elley

£11

Lynda Ashmore

Only too happy to donate to such a worthy cause.

£11

Andrea

Good luck everyone

£11

Sandra Mcgrail

Well done Simon very proud of you xc

£11

Fergal Lyons

All the Best Simon

£11

Dave Gilchrist

Good luck with the fundraising Simon, it is for a very worthy cause.

£11

Keith Mcgrail

Good Luck Simon & well done for beating Cancer.

£11

Pete Forbes

£11

Michelle Hart

£11

Jane I-m

Josie you are doing an amazing job,well done 🥰

£11

Lara

£11

Jane Lythgow

You two are heroes raising so much money for so many years - good luck 💕

£11

Jenny Welburn

£11

Anne-marie Welburn

You are an inspiration to all, lovely lady x

£11

Brendan O'neill

Enjoy the walk

£11

Sue Thompson

£11

Dave Campbell

£11

Nicci Suggitt

You are an absolute inspiration Josie!! Keep pushing forwards xx

£11

Sarah Mckenna

Good Luck Simon

£10

Becky & Adam

£10

Philip Homer

Keep on pushing Stephen - not too many more miles to go. Amazing work that you are doing.

£10

Joanne

Well done everyone!

£10

Sharon & Chris Battersby

£10

Alan And Aundre

£10

Jumbo & Julie

Smash it Josie. You are an inspiration.

£10

Jobby Abraham

Good Luck Sweety and team.

£10

Jim

£10

Philip Griffith And Martha

£10

Josie Wilson

£10

Julie And Bob. X

Amazing work Simon. Glad to see you're still well and keeping active. Best wishes Julie and Bob. X

£10

Sue Mellonby

£10

Pippa Neild

£10

Lisa Culvwerwell

Great Cause! Enjoy the walking Simon, nothing better than being in the fresh air.

£10

Derek And Pam Barker

£10

Darren Farnsworth

Goof Luck

£10

Kay Watts

£10

Diane Midgley

You two are amazing xxx

£10

Ellen Badger

Enjoy every minute. Xx

£10

Facebook Donation

£10

James & Laura Oconnell

Well done on raising awareness and funds mate!

£10

Facebook Donation

£10

David Bookham

£10

Fozzie

£10

Vicky Webster

Well done Josie. Xxx

£10

Paul & Ann

Good luck Josie xXx

£10

Teresa Kalinowski

Well done!

£10

Richard And Jenny Mccann

£10

Gavin Lee

£10

Janet Cooke

£6

Derek Cooke

£6

Anonymous

£5

Liz Conner

£5

Pat And Ken

£5

Katy

Good luck xx

£5

Chris N

Wishing you all the best with the walk Simon; I can’t begin to imagine what you’ve already been through. X

£5

Sally W

What a fantastic way to celebrate your birthday Simon. You’ll be on your way by now - enjoy ☺️

£5

Sarah Green

£5

Steve & Jane

Our team members

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