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About Us

York Against Cancer is a local charity helping local people affected by cancer. We provide care and support for patients and their families in York and North & East Yorkshire, fund pioneering cancer research and provide cancer awareness education and information.

All our work is funded by fundraising and donations. Supported by individuals, groups, schools, organisations and businesses we have raised more than £20million over the last 35 years to help local people in the fight against cancer.

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What We Do

Find out more about what York Against Cancer does in the local community.

Healthcare workers with medical equipment

Our Care

York Against Cancer is here to help those seeking cancer support in York and North and East Yorkshire. Whatever your personal challenge, you’ll find the answer with our local services.
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Our Research

Cancer research has always been the heart of our work. We fund vital projects studying various types of cancer. Find out more about our multi-million-pound work in research and development.

Our Education & Awareness

At York Against Cancer, we believe that cancer awareness is the first step towards cancer prevention. We’re proud to work with the local community on various awareness schemes.

Meet The Team

Julie Russell

Julie Russell

Chief Executive Officer
Julie is responsible for the strategic management of the charity and driving York Against Cancer forward. She has been in post since 2006 and says she considers herself lucky to have such a worthwhile and rewarding job.

Heather Atkinson

Heather Atkinson

Deputy CEO and Head of Finance
As Deputy CEO and Head of Finance, Heather keeps our house in order. She says: "Being part of such a small, local organisation means I get to be involved in most aspects of the charity. I consider myself very privileged to enjoy such a varied and rewarding job."

Nicola Doherty

Nicola Doherty

Head of Office Administration & Volunteer Co-ordinator
Head of Office Administration & Volunteer Co-ordinator Nicola oversees the day to day operations of York Against Cancer – we’d be lost without her! She says: “It is lovely speaking to people who use York Against Cancer’s services and the fabulous fundraisers who help to make these things happen."

Alice Freeman-Cuerden

Marketing Assistant
Alice joined us as a marketing assistant in February 2023, she says, "The York Against Cancer team and volunteers are always welcoming and kind. It is wonderful to be a part of an organisation that exists to support people."

Charlotte Wainwright

External Relations Manager
Charlotte is responsible for our income generation and marketing activities. She says: "I am honoured to have joined a charity that is working to transform the lives of those affected by cancer."

Jill Hutchinson

Head of Retail
Jill is the retail manager for our two shops at York Community Stadium and York Hospital. She spends most of her days working alongside volunteers, managing stock and looking for what to purchase next. Jill says, "It's wonderful getting to pick out what will go on our shop shelves and know that every sale we make goes towards the services we offer at York Against Cancer."

Sam Watson

Retail Assistant
Sam is our Retail Assistant at our two shops in York Stadium and York Hospital. Sam says, "I really enjoy working alongside our volunteers in both of our York Against Cancer gift shops, knowing that all we do is helping to raise funds for such a wonderful organisation."

Debbie Smith

The Leveson Centre Manager
Debbie is the Manager of The Leveson Centre, bringing with her a wealth of experience in nursing and cancer care. Debbie’s expertise and unwavering commitment ensures she always provides a friendly, supportive approach to cancer patients and their loved ones.

Victoria Edwards

The Leveson Centre Assistant Manager
Assistant Manager Victoria comes from a background of not-for-profit work in a healthcare organisation. Working closely with Debbie, Victoria plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth daily operations of the centre.

Neil Johnson

Neil Johnson

Minibus Driver
Neil is a former police armed response officer. When he retired, he was intending to take six months off, until he spotted our ad for a minibus driver. He said: “I love this job. I had more people saying thanks in the first week here than I had had in the previous 30 years!”

Garry Stanton

Minibus Driver
Garry has had a varied career including 23 years in the police force, starting his working life in the Royal Navy as a missileman on board the HMS Brilliant. Garry added ‘I really enjoy meeting new people and giving a little bit back to the community which I find very rewarding’.

We want to say a big Thank You

Thanks to your help, we've managed to achieve all this since 1987.

£1 million

Research project into bladder cancer

200

Families sent on respite breaks each year

17,500

Miles covered by our free minibus service

Need to contact us?

Call us on 01904 764 466 or email office@yorkagainstcancer.org.uk and one of our friendly team will be happy to help.

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