York Against Cancer Icon
Donate
Donate
My Account
My Account

About Us

We are a small, independent, local charity. Over the last three decades we have raised more than £20 million to make a difference to the lives of local people affected by cancer.

We provide practical help and support for patients and their families living with cancer in York, North and East Yorkshire. We fund vital research and education to prevent and cure cancer in the future.

We are supported by businesses, organisations, groups, schools and individuals. Together, we really do make a difference to the lives of local people.

A group of people walking in a line with their arms around each other

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.
A researcher stood in front of a large image of her work

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."

Jess Valenghi

PR Consultant
Jess works with the team to support with PR and Communications. Jess says; 'Working with the team at York Against Cancer is such a pleasure, the team and the volunteers make it such a wonderful place to be!"

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."

Jill Hutchinson

Head of Retail
Jill joined the team to manage and develop the York Against Cancer retail outlets at York Stadium and York Hospital. Jill will work alongside volunteers, manage online sales and will be responsible for choosing and purchasing new stock. Jill says, "I've already met a lot of the volunteers and know there's many more to meet. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming. I'm really looking forward to working with the volunteers - their contribution to York Against Cancer is invaluable."

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.

Coffee Cup

Sign up for Promotions & News