Jo Cairns

This May my team at work and I are joining people across Yorkshire who are coming together to raise money for vital research that will help save lives in Yorkshire.

Every 17 minutes, someone in Yorkshire is told they have cancer. People are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire than in most other parts of England and, tragically, too many people die.

This May, I would like to help change this, by taking part in We Walk for Yorkshire to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research. Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer.

Every step counts and every pound I am able to raise will help save lives in Yorkshire.

I take part in this walking challenge each year, but this year I am dedicating this challenge to my dad, Jonathan Cairns, who is currently undergoing treatment for stage 3 lung cancer, picked up through lung screening. Even though it's not the news we were hoping for, screening meant that his cancer was picked up at a treatable stage. He has not only been my rock these past 11 years since I lost my mum, he is my inspiration every day putting on a brave smile and remaining upbeat and positive about his cancer journey, which will be a long road ahead, but he is prepared to do anything to beat it.

I hope for those reading this you can help us beat cancer too by helping to raise funds for life saving research and spreading the word that screening really does save lives. Thank you to each and every one of you who takes the time to read this, and is in a position to sponsor us. Your support means so much.