July update from our CEO, Andy
At the end of this month, I will have been Chief Executive of York Against Cancer for six months.
I am not going to pretend that feels like a long time, because it doesn’t. But when I think about everything that has happened since February, everything I have witnessed, everything this team and our volunteers have built and delivered and quietly got on with, six months feels like quite a lot. I am enjoying every minute of it.
The start of summer at The Leveson Centre has been a reminder of why this organisation exists. The Wednesday coffee mornings are as full as ever, between 40 and 50 people coming through the door most weeks, not because they must, but because it has become their place. The wellbeing choir continues to grow – we run two sessions on a Tuesday in the morning and afternoon, because one was no longer enough to hold everyone who wanted to be there. If you have never stood in The Leveson Centre and heard that sound, I cannot really describe it to you. You would have to experience it. I am also working extremely hard to get a public performance agreed for our wonderful choir.
In early July, we have agreed a collaboration with three wonderful volunteers led by a lady called Moira Sykes. They are now hosting a ‘Cancer Chit Chat’ group at Acomb Explore Library on the third Thursday of each month from 10:30am-12pm. We are supporting them with social media and poster support. Next month I will attend to meet some of the people there. It’s fantastic to provide support in the community for the Acomb and Westfield Wards. Please share to anyone you know affected by cancer in those areas.
I also took my first visit to meet the ladies of the Dunnington Cancer Support Group, a group of wonderful people who have been raising funds for cancer charities for 60 year next year! 40 of those years have been for York Against Cancer, circa £20,000 per year every year. They do this from their charity shop above the Reading Rooms and hosting a monthly Jumble Sale. Thanks to Anne Abbiss and all the ladies there, wonderful supporters.
Another visit to the Jack Birch Unit at the University of York, this time meeting Simon Baker and spending the day actually completing an experiment in the labs along with a group of sixth formers from Malton School. I may not make a researcher, however, it did make me realise how labour intensive research is, and also how there is no surety at the end of the session you reach the conclusion you expect.
An invite to attend York City F.C.’s VIP Third Shirt Launch at the ever-stunning Sandburn Hall was not to be missed, with the chance to speak to an audience of over one hundred people about our wonderful charity, and to talk to many afterwards. There were some really positive discussions so watch this space. As for the shirt, it’s a beauty, very Inter Milan-esque. We all wish them luck back in the Football League.
We also launched our annual Yorkshire Focus calendar competition and the response from across the region has been wonderful. If you haven’t submitted your photograph yet, please do. Entries are open until 1st August and can be submitted to office@yorkagainstcancer.org.uk. This is a genuinely lovely project, and it raises funds that go directly into the services this community depends on. I am very much looking forward to the judging day; it will not be easy. Click here to find out more.
We are actively recruiting a new Board Trustee, specifically someone with a career in marketing, communications, and PR experience who wants to bring those skills to a cause that deserves the absolute best of them. If you know someone, please point them our way.
And behind all of it, as always, are twelve people who come to work every day and quietly do extraordinary things, and around circa 120 volunteers who give their time because they believe in this charity with everything they have. Six months in, that is what I am most certain of. The people here are the difference.
On to the next six months. There is a great deal to do, and I would not want to be doing it anywhere else.
P.S. As a proud Yorkshireman, don’t forget it’s Yorkshire Day on the 1st of August. Watch out for our social media posts – we have something very special coming.
Thank you, as always, for being part of York Against Cancer.
