hope-against-cancer-new-site

Introducing Paul, the new Chief Executive of Hope Against Cancer

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:21:33 GMT

I am profoundly honoured to lead Hope Against Cancer. My career has been dedicated to creating environments where people feel valued and valuable, and I intend to bring that same energy to this vital cause

Hope Against Cancer is thrilled to announce the appointment of Paul Desborough PG Dip CMgr FCMI as our new Chief Executive. Paul joins us to lead the next stage of our development and to help the team and Trustees to deliver an ambitious new 10-year vision.

Paul brings over 35 years of leadership experience across the military, public, and private sectors. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and has a proven track record of transforming complex organisations.

Upon his arrival, Paul said that his career has been defined by leadership and service. He retired from the military with the rank of Major having played pivotal roles in policy, doctrine, and personnel careers, as well as commanding an Army Reserve Regiment.

Transitioning to a civilian career, Paul has held positions as Director of HR and Chief of Operations for a global manufacturing firm, as Director of Human Resources within the Construction Industry and as Deputy Chief Executive for an Arms-Length Public Body within the MoD.

To introduce himself, Paul said, “At Hope Against Cancer, I hope to leverage my extensive experience in Strategic Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, and Change Management to build on the charity’s firm foundations. My immediate priority is ensuring the charity is operationally robust and strategically aligned to deliver world-class research outcomes for Leicestershire and Rutland.

"I am profoundly honoured to lead Hope Against Cancer. My career has been dedicated to creating environments where people feel valued and valuable, and I intend to bring that same energy to this vital cause. Our goal is bold: to establish a Centre of Excellence that ensures Leicestershire and Rutland and ultimately the East Midlands remains at the absolute forefront of life-saving cancer research. We aren't just funding projects; we are building a legacy of hope."

James Greenlees, Hope Against Cancer’s Chair of Trustees said, “We are delighted to welcome Paul to Hope Against Cancer. The Trustees and I are all extremely excited about what lies ahead for HOPE, and our new and optimistic strategy will undoubtedly be delivered with the help of Paul and the rest of the HOPE team.

I would also like to pay a special tribute to Nigel Rose who has led the Charity so ably for the last 10 years and wish him well in the next part of his journey.”

With Paul’s huge experience it is an exciting time for Hope Against Cancer as we plan to further our established funding and bring even more infrastructure, equipment and world-class cancer research and care to benefit the people of our region and beyond.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Why We Do What We Do - Part IX

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:26:07 GMT

Derek is not a person who usually goes to the doctors, but he knew that the lump on his neck wasn’t going down, and that wasn’t right.

This story has been told to us by Derek. It is his very personal experience of cancer and highlights the importance of why we do what we do and why it is vital that we continue to fund and support the cancer research and clinical trials that can change lives.

Derek is not a person who usually goes to the doctors, but he knew that the lump on his neck wasn’t going down, and that wasn’t right.

In August 2014, Derek was diagnosed with a Squamous Cell cancerous tumour caused by the HPV virus.

Before treatment started at the Osborne Building at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, his oncologist offered him a place on a trial at the relatively new Hope Clinical Trials Facility (the predecessor to the Hope Cancer Trials Centre).

The tumour was located on his left-hand tonsil and, following their removal, treatment at the Hope Facility began in January 2015.

The trial tested the effectiveness of combining different forms of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on Derek’s neck to ensure no malignant cells remained.

Before the treatment started Derek had a ‘Peg’ feeding tube fitted, as he was warned that swallowing would be very difficult once the radiotherapy started.

The treatment lasted seven weeks visiting the hospital every weekday for radiotherapy with three equally spaced chemo sessions planned. The side effects of the chemotherapy were not good for Derek. It made him very ill which resulted in him being admitted onto the ward for a week to help with the recovery. It was decided that the last chemo session of the three planned would not be taken.

Derek described the LRI and Hope staff as ‘amazing’, adding that ‘they saved my life’.

Once the active treatments were complete, care was followed by visits from the district nurse to his home.

In the following weeks, Derek had no sense of taste following his treatments along with a dry mouth from loss of saliva and a damaged throat. He felt permanently sick and was hardly eating at all. Food mainly consisted of Fortisip nutritional drinks which he didn’t find agreeable at all. The district nurse was very concerned about his weight loss.

With help and advice from the LRI nutritionist, soup was really the best option at the time, and now, years later, Derek says that he never wants to see another soup tin, he’s had enough for a lifetime!

Once Derek was able to come off the cocktail of painkillers and other drugs, the sickness subsided and things started to improve. Derek’s wife Julie became very creative in the kitchen. Making meals with plenty of sauces or gravy to help Derek’s eating.

Treatment ended over a decade ago, but Derek’s memories seem as fresh as ever.

Since his recovery, Derek and Julie have held charity fundraisers for Hope, including a packed-out winter concert at Leicester Racecourse and some intuitive fund-raising events with their motor racing chums - featuring the Hope logo on their racing car!

They said that such wonderful moments have come out of Derek’s illness and their worries, and it all came from holding tight onto positivity.

Hope Against Cancer is extremely grateful to Derek and Julie for speaking to us about their experience with cancer. Such stories really bring home the importance of having the very best local cancer research and care available right on our doorstep.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Tennis star Katie Boulter becomes a HOPE Patron

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:00:52 GMT

"To become a Patron of my local cancer research charity is a very special opportunity”

Hope Against Cancer is privileged to announce that professional tennis player, Katie Boulter, has chosen to support the cause of world-class cancer research and care right here in her home counties as a Patron of the Charity.

Born in Woodhouse Eves, Leicestershire, where her tennis journey began on the local court, Katie has gone on to achieve fame in the sport and is a prominent advocate for charitable causes and community work.

On her Instagram profile she describes herself as ‘a human then a tennis player’.

Katie has supported causes across the country as a Wimbledon Foundation Champion and through events with Age UK, among others. Her focus has largely been on issues around loneliness, homelessness and supporting older people.

Hope Against Cancer fund world-class local cancer research and care that brings the latest treatment to people with cancer in the region and goes on to inform and support the wider national and international efforts to overcome cancer. The focal point of this work is the Hope Cancer Trials Centre at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, which offers cutting-edge therapies and clinical trials for local people with cancer.

Katie said, “Charity and community support is so important to me and to become a Patron of my local cancer research charity and to help support amazing cancer research and care in my home counties is a very special opportunity”.

Nigel Rose, CEO of Hope Against Cancer added, “Katie is already extremely active in supporting many community initiatives. She is proud of her local Leicestershire roots and, as a local charity, so is Hope Against Cancer.

“Having Katie agree to be a Patron of our Charity will give a tremendous boost in our ability to spread the work of HOPE and highlight the life-saving cancer research we are supporting, research that brings hope to our local communities across Leicestershire, Rutland and beyond”.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Fundraise and win prizes!

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:38:20 GMT

Hope Against Cancer partners with JispWin to launch innovative prize-led fundraising initiative

We are happy to announce a new partnership with JispWin, an online prize draw platform designed to help charities raise vital funds in more engaging and sustainable ways.

The partnership introduces an innovative fundraising model that allows supporters to donate while being entered into prize draws featuring exciting rewards. Funds raised through ticket sales will directly support cancer research projects that benefit people, families and communities across Leicestershire and Rutland.

Under the agreement, Hope Against Cancer will receive up to 50% of all revenues generated through ticket sales, with a guaranteed minimum return of 35%, ensuring a significant and transparent contribution towards our research programmes.

Tickets are available at https://jispwin.com/charity/hope-against-cancer and registering as a supporter of Hope Against Cancer.

Unlike traditional online fundraising platforms, JispWin blends charitable giving with prize-based participation, offering supporters a more interactive way to contribute while helping charities diversify their income streams during challenging economic times.

Hope Against Cancer has long focused on funding research that delivers tangible benefits locally, investing in early diagnosis, improved treatments and better patient outcomes. This new partnership aims to broaden our supporter base, increase engagement, and unlock additional funding opportunities without placing further pressure on donors.

On the partnership we said:

“We are always looking for new and effective ways to raise funds that will make a real difference to people affected by cancer in our region. Partnering with JispWin allows us to offer something exciting to our supporters while ensuring a substantial proportion of funds raised goes directly into local research.”

JispWin’s model is designed to support charities of all sizes by combining transparency, engagement and incentive-led fundraising. By reinvesting a portion of revenues into prizes, the platform encourages participation while maintaining a strong focus on delivering meaningful returns for good causes.

The collaboration reflects a growing shift within the charity sector towards alternative fundraising approaches that complement traditional donations, helping organisations adapt to evolving donor expectations and increasing competition for attention.

Hope Against Cancer announces departure of CEO, Nigel Rose

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:49:45 GMT

Nigel said, “My small team, our volunteers and wonderful supporters can be extremely proud of what they and HOPE have achieved over the years."

Hope Against Cancer is saddened to announce that Nigel Rose, our CEO, will be leaving the charity after 12 years of dedicated leadership. He has plans to depart for the south coast where he will join his partner to live and work.

In his time with HOPE there have been many changes, but through each one Nigel and the team have remained focused on our goals and overall purpose so that one day we will overcome cancer.

Notably, HOPE continued with its vital work through the pandemic when Nigel, the office team, Trustees, supporters and friends helped to mobilise businesses, trusts and the community to raise well over £1.25 million to transform the Hope Clinical Trials Facility at the Leicester Royal Infirmary into the remarkable Hope Cancer Trials Centre, doubling the size of our unit to allow many more people to benefit from cutting edge trials.

The new Centre, under the leadership of Dr Harriet Walter, has taken the incredible work already being done by its predecessor and brought more beds, chemotherapy chairs and treatment opportunities for local people with cancer.

In a time that has seen recession, the cost-of-living crisis and other strains on the charity sector, Nigel has provided steady financial leadership to HOPE which has allowed stability in our funding as well as the flexibility for Trustees to fund the right research, equipment and infrastructure at the right time.

Nigel said, “My small team, our volunteers and wonderful supporters can be extremely proud of what they and HOPE have achieved over the years. I have no doubt whatsoever that HOPE will continue to go from strength to strength and I will be around to help where needed, to embed the new leadership and contribute to a positive transition to the next stage of the Charity’s development.

“Thank you to the Board of Trustees, who have helped me nurture a great team and supported me personally, and to all who have supported and continue to support the vital, life-saving work of Hope Against Cancer”.

Our thanks go out to Nigel and we wish him all the best on his new adventure.

While Nigel’s departure is sad news for HOPE, we are already making plans for the next stage of our journey.

If you, or someone you know, might like to join us on this journey in a leadership role, please get in touch: nigel@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk or, for an informal chat about the role, call him on 07812755536.

Hope funded research

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:33:37 GMT

The development of the liquid biopsy, a technique that has the potential to revolutionize treatment for cancer and much more.

At the October Business Lunch, our guests heard from Dr Rebecca Allsopp about the development of the liquid biopsy in the Professor Jacqui Shaw group based at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. They believe that this technique will reduce reliance on more invasive biopsy procedures supporting earlier diagnosis and monitoring of cancer by reading markers in the blood.

The liquid biopsy is already in use in some areas of the NHS and private care, as well as in the American Healthcare system.

Hope Against Cancer has supported Professor Shaw’s research in the past and continues to do so through Dr Shradha Bhagani who is another member of the group.

Dr Bhagani’s research has a specialist interest in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), and the aim of the study is to seek biomarkers in the liquid biopsy which can predict an individual’s response to cancer treatment.

The liquid biopsy will do this by detecting components of cancer in the blood.

Standard cancer biopsies are usually taken once and then they will become a person’s ‘passport’ for their treatment. Liquid biopsies can be taken at regular intervals and responses to treatment can be checked close to real time.

TNBC accounts for approximately 15% of all breast cancers and is associated with poor clinical outcomes and so an understanding of which therapies a person will respond to, and which ones they won’t, is vital for their best care.

Chemotherapy is a ‘cover-all’ treatment and it is often referred to as a blunt instrument. It poisons cancer cells as well as healthy cells and so research that guides patients towards more personalised treatment is one of the keys to the future of cancer treatments.

Hope’s Head of Partnerships, Tracey Hallam, who has triple negative breast cancer, is one of the participants in Dr Bhagani’s study and has had samples taken regularly throughout her treatment.

In August, the ‘If Alice Can, Anyone Can’ fundraising cycle ride raised an amazing £114,000 for Hope Against Cancer. Research into triple negative breast cancer is a cause close to Alice’s heart and so the funds raised will be specifically directed to continue Hope’s support of this research.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Why We Do What We Do - Part VIII

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:50:14 GMT

Teachers often find themselves becoming ill during the natural course of their day to day, but sepsis and recurring bouts of pneumonia were well beyond the norm.

This story has been told to us by Lucy. It is her very personal experience of cancer and highlights the importance of why we do what we do and why it is vital that we continue to fund and support the cancer research and clinical trials that can change lives.

Lucy is a secondary school teacher. Teachers often find themselves becoming ill during the natural course of their day to day, but sepsis and recurring bouts of pneumonia were well beyond the norm.

Blood tests were taken at her GP in February 2023.

The modern NHS app allows people to see the results of blood tests and Lucy saw ahead of time that her protein count was high. Her brother is a GP, and she knew that this meant that she had cancer.

She was quickly referred to Dr Garg at the Leicester Royal Infirmary who saw her at 8.15am before clinic even began.

Lucy did not fit the ‘normal’ criteria for a diagnosis of High-Risk Multiple Myeloma and genetic markers had shown she was at high risk of relapse following any treatment. She was otherwise healthy and Dr Garg recommended a trial at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre.

A stem cell transplant was required and, to prepare for this, treatment started with ‘conditioning chemotherapy’ which is a high-dose therapy given weekly, steroids and Isatuximab, which is a focussed antibody treatment that targets the errant plasma in the blood.

These treatments brought the paraproteins down and the stem cell transplant went ahead in August 2023.

Lucy’s trial is about controlling the potential relapse and every two weeks she has maintenance chemotherapy and continues to take Isatuximab.

She is in deep remission but still, naturally, worries about the cancer returning.

Lucy told us that the staff at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre are incredible. They are like her family and when she worries, they are able to calm her down with their expert knowledge, good humour and kindness.

On one occasion following treatment Lucy found herself unable to stop crying. Instead of being sent on her way, staff took her into a side room and simply talked to her for two hours. On another, they made a cake for her mum’s 84th birthday.

Lucy has two daughters. The younger of the two would like to be a nurse. One year, on the 27th December, only Lucy was scheduled for treatment. It was also Lucy’s daughter’s birthday and the nurse invited her to come along and taught her how to find a vein to take blood and how to canulate.

Such experiences truly highlight the holistic care that the Hope Cancer Trials Centre staff are able to provide.

Lucy said that friends who are being treated for cancer across the country sometimes complain that they dislike treatment because it reminds them that they have cancer, but the Hope Centre is not like that at all. She looks forward to the trips and while she remains very aware that she has cancer, she is welcomed in, her concerns are listened to, validated and reassured.

She ended by saying how lucky our area is to have the Centre available to local people with cancer.

On Saturday 10th January 2026, 7:00pm until 1:00am at 2Funky Music Café, Lucy will be holding her own fundraiser for Hope Against Cancer and in support of the incredible cancer research and care we have here in Leicestershire and Rutland.

It is a night of ‘Hope & Soul’ and will feature legends of soul, singers and a DJ.

More information and tickets are available at www.fatsoma.com/e/dcmz1vog/hope-and-soul

Hope Against Cancer is extremely grateful to Lucy for speaking to us about her experience with cancer. Such stories really bring home the importance of having the very best local cancer research and care available right on our doorstep.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Supporter Spotlight: Mark Evans and Conversations With Impact

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:26:36 GMT

Mark Evans is a coach and a therapist who takes a different approach to his business partnership and fundraising for HOPE.

Conversations With Impact do just that. Mark runs workshops for businesses and 1-2-1 sessions for individuals that aim to make the difference his clients want to see in their organisations or in their lives.

When Mark decided to raise money for a local charity, he wanted to do so by using his skills to fundraise as he worked.

Without the resources to put on specific events like an in-office cake sale or raffle, for example, Mark donates the money paid for specific sessions to HOPE.

This ‘cause-related’ marketing campaign allows both his business and our charity to benefit.

Utilising your everyday was a key topic of our conversation. He uses what he would be doing, nevertheless, to support HOPE and is realistic in his commitment.

Mark told us that “some days you can worry that you are not doing enough, but you can only do what you can. So far, I have raised £1500 for HOPE through Conversations With Impact, and I know that continual small effort is both appreciated by the Charity and helps me to avoid burnout.”

He first heard about HOPE through a networking event where he met Partnerships Manager, Martin Robinson. A few years earlier, Mark’s good friend Annie had passed away from breast cancer, and HOPE felt like a natural fit for his pre-existing desire to support local charity.

Personal experience of therapy drew Mark to his current career. He was blown away by the fact that the therapist seemed to have such a fundamental understanding of him after such a short time.

Consequently, he chose to qualify in the field and spent 15 years working with students and staff at De Montfort University.

Conversations With Impact started as a sideline, but when Mark was made redundant, he realised it was something he could take on full-time.

Unfortunately, during COVID, when everyone was firefighting or furloughed, his client base fell away, but this allowed Mark to pivot into a wider audience and to write books.

Mark supports HOPE both personally and professionally. Alongside his professional donations, he ran a 10K at Run Leicester 2025, raising an additional £1000!

What strikes us most is Mark’s efforts to put his own coaching advice into action. He runs sessions on helping with burnout, emotional intelligence and anything else that a company or person needs… and he works in the same way to support HOPE.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Mark, owner of Conversations With Impact, for all his support.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Why We Do What We Do - Part VII

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:07:37 GMT

What followed was a journey of family, fundraising and seeking positivity during what Michael and Claire modestly call ‘a tough time’

This story has been told to us by Michael and Claire; it is their very personal experience of cancer and highlights the importance of why we do what we do and why it is vital that we continue to fund and support the cancer research and clinical trials that can change lives.

It all started back in 2012 when a mole on Michael’s belly was diagnosed as a melanoma and removed.

What followed was a journey of family, fundraising and seeking positivity during what Michael and Claire modestly call ‘a tough time’.

In 2015, further melanomas were found and removed along with the surrounding lymph nodes.

In 2018, a lump the size of a tennis ball formed on Michael’s back, alongside others near his heart and on his belly.

His consultant, Dr Guy Faust offered the choice between a trial at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre or standard NHS care. The trial came with the caveat that Michael could always return to standard care if he wished.

The trial involved tablets and bi-monthly immunotherapy.

Within a month all the lumps had begun to shrink and after a year they had all disappeared.

Treatment continued nevertheless, becoming a routine part of life.

Michael is a coach driver and, like many people with cancer, he did not want to give up work. He wanted life to remain as ordinary and as distractingly hectic as a family, friends, work and everything else can make it.

Michael and Claire have two children and have always made the conscious effort to be open and honest with them.

Michael’s diagnosis was no different.

Their youngest, Emma, who was 12 at the time, immediately announced she would bake cakes to raise money for Hope Against Cancer.

Together they set up a JustGiving page with the aim of raising £500.

Emma hit her target by the first weekend!

Through coffee mornings, raffles and, of course, the delicious cakes Emma was baking, she ended up raising over £8500 and deservingly won a Young Volunteer of the Year award!

Their son, Alex, who was seventeen, joined in on the fundraising and took part in a sponsored abseil.

Michael and Claire told us that the fundraising brought something truly positive into their lives.

It occupied them and brought in the extended family too.

Michael said that he tried to remain positive throughout, “you have to be, or at least switch off from it”.

His treatment continued until February 2020 when it was disrupted by COVID.

While Michael has had no further treatment for five years now, he continues to have yearly scans. The cancer has not returned.

Each scan brings nervousness nonetheless and, every time, it is Dr Faust who calls with the results. This isn’t just a brief relay of facts. Dr Faust takes the time to chat with them, and the family really appreciates this personal touch.

They said the same about the Hope Cancer Trials Centre, and Michael’s nurse, Theresa who took the time to get to know them on a personal level.

Michael told us that the Hope Centre treats you as a person and not an illness.

Both he and Claire emphasised just how important Hope Against Cancer is for local people, and that more people should know about it…

So please, if you’re reading this – please tell your friends and family about HOPE.

Hope Against Cancer is extremely grateful to Michael and Claire for speaking to us about their experience with cancer. Such stories really bring home the importance of working towards improved treatments and helping more people to overcome cancer.

If you would like to help us continue to support local cancer research and care the benefits local people, please click here to donate

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Meet the researcher - Dr Nikila Patil

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:20:23 GMT

Improving equity of access to clinical trials.

Dr Nikila Patil is a clinical oncology trainee, who specialises in treating cancer with radiotherapy.

Hope Against Cancer is supporting Dr Patil to complete an MD during her training.

Dr Patil’s work is focused on understanding the impact of Race and Ethnicity on toxicity with radiotherapy in head and neck cancer, the results of this and how this could support a patient’s best treatment plan.

Dr Patil is also studying the cultural challenges faced by both patients and healthcare professionals and working to understand how this information may be used to support the development of treatment strategies that are mindful of cultural differences.

Dr Patil has shown previously that in South Asian individuals receiving radical radiotherapy for oral cavity cancers, a specific type of head and neck cancer, poorer results have been seen.

With 39.6% of the population of Leicester identifying as South Asian and high mortality rates for this type of cancer within Leicester, this is an important focus for research.

This research will help us to improve cancer care pathways for those receiving treatment for head and neck cancer and understand how ethnicity may impact on the treatment toxicity.

This is important work to help us improve equity of access to clinical trials.

The Director of the Hope Cancer Trials Centre, Dr Harriet Walter, said that “the support of Hope Against Cancer is key to supporting the academic career development of junior investigators.

“Dr Patil, through the support of Hope Against Cancer, is able to undertake important work that will directly benefit our local population.”

Research and clinical trials are a circle of collaboration: research supports clinical trials and clinical trials support research.

Hope Against Cancer is proud to support such work which has recently been published in the British Journal of Cancer.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Why We Do What We Do - Part VI

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:24:40 GMT

It was “such a friendly and reassuring place to be when faced with unfamiliar circumstances.”

This story has been told to us by Tony; it is his very personal experience of cancer and highlights the importance of why we do what we do and why it is vital that we continue to fund and support the cancer research and clinical trials that can change lives.

This year, Tony celebrated his 80 ^th birthday with a Caribbean themed party for around 60 relatives and friends including rum punches, Jamaican street food and a steel drum band.

This is quite a milestone as, four years ago, it was uncertain if he would still be around to celebrate it.

Tony’s journey with cancer began back in 2012. Regular blood tests to check his cholesterol detected some paraprotein in the blood. After being referred to the Leicester Royal Infirmary for further tests, the advice from the consultant was to go home, forget all about the paraprotein, and get on with the rest of his life.

At the time he didn’t know that this phase of blood cancer development was called ‘Watch and Wait’, better known as ‘Watch and Worry’.

Tony heeded the consultant’s good advice and over the next nine years lived life to the full with some memorable holidays and activities including a 400ft abseil, a zipwire ride in Snowdonia, and watching his two teenage granddaughters grow.

Meanwhile, the regular annual blood tests enabled an early detection of something more sinister happening in June 2021. Soon after, he was unable to walk from one room to another without becoming breathless and experienced constant dizziness.

He was quickly referred back to the Oncology Outpatients at the LRI for further tests before being given the devastating diagnosis of incurable Waldenström’s blood cancer.

Tony was offered the choice between conventional chemotherapy, “with all the potential side-effects this entailed”, or the opportunity to participate in a new drugs trial at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre at the LRI.

He felt that whatever the outcome of these new treatments would be, future generations would benefit.

Tony considers himself to be “one of the lucky ones”.

Firstly, the cancer was detected early, secondly, it was growing very slowly, giving time for research into the new targeted treatments to be developed, thirdly, the doctors reacted quickly to the situation and fourthly, he was accepted onto the trial.

From his very first visit, Tony realised that the Hope Cancer Trials Centre was something very special. Compared to the hustle and bustle of the Oncology Outpatients Department, the Hope Centre is an oasis of calm. Lots of activity was happening but everything felt ordered and unhurried.

It was “such a friendly and reassuring place to be when faced with unfamiliar circumstances.”

The initial treatment went well, with very little side-effects and things began to improve quickly. After six weeks the blood markers were all showing signs of returning to normal.

Tony looks forward to seeing and catching up with his nursing team, who have become friends. He said that “although it seems strange to say it, considering I am being treated for cancer, I quite look forward to these visits.”

Now in his 4th year of the trial, Tony returns to the Hope Centre for checkups every three months.

He told us that, “the care and attention to detail shown by the nursing team is faultless, not only regarding the treatment but also, and just as importantly, the mental health support for both the person with cancer and their family”.

Tony went on to say that he “is eternally grateful for the expertise of the medical team at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre”, and he has been busy helping to raise funds for HOPE.

To date his Rotary Club have held two Sunday Lunches at the Sysonby Knoll Hotel, Melton with a third one planned this year, and for his 80th birthday, instead of presents, he requested donations to us which raised £455.

The blood cancer is still there and is currently incurable, but it is being controlled and enables Tony to have a good quality of life.

He finished by saying, “who knows what the future may hold but with the kind of advances in cancer treatment currently being done and the fantastic HOPE facility that we have right here in Leicester, the prospects look good.”

Hope Against Cancer is extremely grateful to Tony for speaking to us about his experience with cancer. Such stories really bring home the importance of working towards improved treatments and helping more people to overcome cancer.

If you would like to help us continue to support local cancer research and care the benefits local people, please click here to donate

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Alice's cycle challenge raises over £100,000 for Hope Against Cancer

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 08:46:45 GMT

Alice said, “the day was spectacular. I just want to thank everyone who has supported, sponsored, donated and rode with us.”

Press Release :

On the August bank holiday weekend, 77 riders took part in a cycle challenge which took them from Old Dalby, Leicestershire to Sheringham, Norfolk in one day to raise £100,000 for the local cancer research charity, Hope Against Cancer.

The riders set off at 5.30am in groups of 10 and made their way to pit stops at South Wytham, Spalding Rugby Club, Kings Lynn Fire Station, and Stanhoe before they started arriving in Sheringham from 4pm. It was a perfect day for riding and by the time evening fell they had reached the incredible fund-raising goal.

The ride was organised by Alice Greaves from Old Dalby with support from the team at Hope Against Cancer and a host of volunteers and sponsors.

At 24, Alice was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. At 26 she was diagnosed with secondary cancer in her lungs, and this year had surgery for a third tumour in her brain.

Despite these diagnoses, Alice has dedicated herself to fund-raising for local cancer charities, so far raising around £350,000. Her efforts have seen her win local fundraising awards, an invitation to meet King Charles III, a BBC Make A Difference Award, and she is a finalist for a Pride of Britain Award.

This year Alice has held two major fund-raising events. The first was a Summer Ball in June for Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre and the second was this ride for Hope Against Cancer, where she is an ambassador for the charity. She has now raised approximately £150,000 in 2025 alone.

When Alice received the call from the Pride of Britain Awards, she was told that they had been inundated with people nominating her.

Nigel Rose, CEO at Hope Against Cancer, said that “Alice is one of the bravest, most courageous and determined young woman that many of us will ever meet. This money will be transformational in continuing to fund our experts at the Leicester Cancer Research Centre, who are working hard to develop targeted therapies and personalised medicines to improve cancer treatments, including triple negative breast cancer!”

Breast cancer research is a cause particularly close to Alice’s heart. She spends a lot of time on her Instagram ( @ifanyonecanalicecan ) advocating for people, especially young people, to check their breasts, to ‘know your normal’ and how to spot the signs of cancer.

Alice said, “the day was spectacular. I just want to thank everyone who has supported, sponsored, donated and rode with us.”

In her finish line speech, Alice made a special note of “the amazing Charlotte who has absolutely smashed it!” Charlotte is just nine years old, and she completed thirty miles of the course to show her support.

This is the second time Alice has completed this ride for Hope Against Cancer and in support of the local cancer research and care they fund in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Alice's JustGiving page will be closing soon but if you would like to support her you can still donate here on the Hope website .

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Sharing Hope Against Cancer

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 10:34:26 GMT

Hidden away in the heart of England there is a small charity called Hope Against Cancer that is helping to change lives around the world.

This article was originally written for The Business Influencer Magazine and it appeared in August 2024.

The article space was a kind donation by Nachural who aim to ‘Connect, Influence & Celebrate the Best in British Business’.

Hidden away in the heart of England there is a small charity called Hope Against Cancer that is helping to change lives around the world.

The Hope Against Cancer model works on three core principles: Discover, Deliver and Share. These concepts work in concert to build a foundation of innovative research, support the translation of this work into new treatments for cancer, and support the sharing of knowledge and skills through training the lead researchers of tomorrow.

Since its founding in 2003, the charity has grown to become an integral part of Leicestershire and Rutland’s international reputation for exceptional cancer research.

The peer-to-peer sharing of theories, methods and results is a fundamental component of science, and so, the studies and staff that Hope supports in their area benefits local, national and international efforts to overcome cancer.

To help accomplish this, Hope has forged a strong partnership with the local NHS Trust and the two Universities based in Leicester. Funding and support requests are funnelled through this partnership and assessed by a specialist board within the Hope governance team known as the Research Advisory Panel.

The panel is made up of experts from the local universities who closely follow trends in cancer research and advise the board of trustees on where Hope’s funding is best spent to ensure maximum impact.

This impact comes in many forms. To apply for large national and international grants many medical funders require a local partner such as Hope Against Cancer for the applicant to be successful.

In the same way, projects need to be tested to collect pilot data that will support an application for a large grant. Hope often funds such studies in a process known as pump-priming.

Recent Hope grants for pump-priming projects include work looking for markers in DNA that show the presence of cancer. It is expected that the project’s outcomes will make identifying cancer easy, reliable and routine.

It has been estimated that, thanks to Hope Against Cancer’s initial funding of such projects, the Leicestershire and Rutland area has attracted £24 million in external grants for, and investment in, cancer research.

In 2004, Hope Against Cancer funded their first PhD students, Rebecca Croasdale and George Giotopoulos. Twenty years later they are both working in scientific research at an extremely high level; George is a senior researcher at Cambridge University and Rebecca is the Director of Biologics Engineering at AstraZeneca.

More recent examples of Hope-funded PhD students include Dr Sameena (Sam) Khan and Dr Gethin Thomas.

Dr Sam Khan’s PhD was funded from 2015 – 2018 and the work focused on research into cancer treatment and prevention. Her research earned her an NIHR (National Institute of Health Research) Academic Clinical Lectureship in Medical Oncology.

Dr Khan said, ‘My PhD has been the foundation for my career, and I’d never have managed it without the support and belief of the Hope team.’

In 2023, Dr Gethin Thomas was awarded his PhD. He has since been appointed to a prestigious post-doctoral position with Roche in Basel, Switzerland.

Hope continues to fund the development of the researchers of the future, but their scope of funding has evolved.

In the first decade the charity focused on funding PhD students and awarding fellowship grants. The first of these grants went towards the studies of bladder and colorectal cancers.

Then, in 2012, Hope Against Cancer opened the Hope Clinical Trials Unit at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. This facility, located near to research labs, allowed a close collaboration between treatment and research.

Samples were in a position to be swiftly delivered to laboratories for testing and analysis and the Unit gained a reputation for excellence. Yet more was needed. The space was soon not big enough to accommodate all the ambitious activities the staff wanted to explore.

In response, Hope Against Cancer raised £1.3 million to expand the space and, in 2021, the charity opened the renamed Hope Cancer Trials Centre.

The Centre’s director, Dr Harriet Walters said, ‘Support from Hope Against Cancer enables the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust to contribute to, and deliver, practice-changing international cancer trials within state-of-the-art facilities.

‘Through this funding we’ve been able to make a real difference locally to our patients through early access to new drugs within clinical trials, some of which go onto be adopted into standard cancer care.’

The Hope Cancer Trials Centre currently has 152 ongoing and planned trials into a diverse range of cancers.

It is the local businesses, communities and individuals that have supported Hope Against Cancer to make these state-of-the-art facilities and practices possible.

Hope Against Cancer has a business club with a broad collection of members. Twice a year the charity hosts a ‘uniquely inspiring’ business club lunch which combines networking and inspirational speeches from both a research and patient perspective. Attendees are presented with a snapshot of some of the incredible research they help to fund, and the real-world impact that this has.

Nigel Rose, CEO of Hope Against Cancer said, ‘For 20 years, Hope Against Cancer has been helping to discover potential new treatments for cancer through cutting-edge research. We’ve been helping to deliver new treatments to patients and finally we’ve been sharing that knowledge to support the national and international fight against cancer. Through this, we’re contributing to the healthiness of the workforce, upon which thriving business communities and therefore economies, are built.’

National and international pockets of scientific excellence such as that in Leicestershire and Rutland link together to share the latest knowledge, innovate, grow and help conquer disease.

Hope Against Cancer would like to thank the publishers for their support.

If you would like to make a donation to help us continue this work, please click here .

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Meet the Hope Nurses

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:22:22 GMT

When asked about a typical day they said ‘unpredictable’ almost in unison!

When you enter the Hope Cancer Trials Centre it is a peaceful, almost serene site. Staff are not generally running from one place to another, alarms are tended to calmly and competently and the whole environment radiates quiet and highly professional care.

Hope Against Cancer is proud to support nurses at the Centre and we have been doing so since 2013. The title ‘Hope Nurse’ rotates each year among the staff and is chosen internally at the Centre.

In 2022 we began to support two nurses, and this year we are supporting three incredible Hope nurses: Lydianne, Pam and Azmina.

Two of the three nurses chosen this year have been at the Hope Centre since it opened in 2012. They even helped to carry in boxes during the initial set-up!

Over the years they have seen a lot of change, from young staff becoming today’s registrars and consultants to drugs going all the way from ‘lab to license’ and becoming standard care. In a slight understatement they added, which is ‘really nice to see’!

They have also seen the unit grow from six chairs and a single (emergency) bed to 13 chairs and four beds for overnight treatment.

When asked about a typical day they said ‘unpredictable’ almost in unison! While there is a plan for the day with patients scheduled and treatment prepared, they always need to be ready for the unexpected. Some days they can be caring for one patient who may take the whole day due to the intensity of the treatment and, whilst other staff may have shorter visits with more patients, these can involve unforeseen complications.

The patients are what drew them to clinical trials nursing, and it is the patients that keep them there. The best patient care is at the heart of everything they do.

The nurses get to know their patients and their families extremely well during their trials which can last years.

When asked about how they deal with patient anxiety over the possible risks of a clinical trial they said that they simply sit patiently and take the time to discuss everything in a clear and understandable way. They emphasised just how important it is that the patient is in a position to make their own decisions, whatever is right for them.

The care that the clinical nurses at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre provide goes far beyond bedside care, they are involved in every stage of planning trial treatment, organising investigations, processing samples, liaising with the trial sponsors, and always attentive to the masses of paperwork that a trial entails.

Without such tireless attention to detail no trial would come to fruition. Nurses at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre need to keep extremely accurate records not just for the best interests of their patients but also for the integrity, accuracy and accountability of the trial as a whole.

Such detail reflects further. The Hope Cancer Trials Centre is internationally recognised for its excellence and this would not be the case but for the meticulous skills of everyone involved.

While the nurses are doing all this, they are also required to keep up-to-date with their competency training – in chemotherapy, in research, in good clinical practice and ethics.

They are required to not only help to administer treatments, but also to support patient’s emotional needs if treatment is no longer working.

What came across to us was not only the incredible skills of the nurses but their constant reference to how much they loved the job, how much they loved working with patients and their families, and the pride they take in not only helping the individual but the critical role they play in bringing new drugs to the frontline in the national and international efforts to overcome cancer.

If you are able to help us continue to fund the Hope Nurses, any donation is hugely appreciated. Please click here to donate .

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Why We Do What We Do - Part V

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:33:11 GMT

The car journey to find her results felt like waiting for sentencing after a trial. The heavy wondering that questioned what life would be like after today.

This story has been told to us by Jane, it is her very personal experience of cancer and highlights the importance of why we do what we do and why it is vital that we continue to fund and support the cancer research and clinical trials that can change lives.

Jane was diagnosed with grade 2 invasive carcinoma in 2024.

A friend had posted a breast cancer awareness post on social media, reminding people to check their breasts – Jane did so, and found a lump.

She contacted her doctor, hoping for a cyst and was referred to a consultant for an immediate mammogram and needle biopsy.

Jane went with her father and the swiftness of the tests made her concerned and emotional.

An abnormality was found in the tests and Jane was advised to ensure she brought someone along with her for the results. This made everything very real.

Jane’s world was turned upside down by the diagnosis. She was bombarded with information and needed to record it on her phone as she couldn’t take it all in in the moment.

Jane’s two daughters live away from home, with one just starting university. Jane is self employed as a photographer and without wider organisational support she began to try and calculate the potential financial costs.

She wanted to work, to retain that sense of self and normalcy, but had concerns about telling clients or not being well enough to attend events.

Jane managed to carry on working nevertheless, with other freelance members of the profession ready to step in and support her when necessary.

Jane’s lump was found on the 8 ^th October and she had a lumpectomy on the 29 ^th October. She described the NHS as amazing.

Unfortunately, a national shortage of radioactive dye at the time of her surgery meant that the surgeon needed to remove more lymph nodes than expected, which led to a long and painful recovery.

It was very hard telling her family. Her mother and father knew but her brother was away and, not wanting to spoil his holiday, she had to wait until his return. Jane’s daughters were shocked and didn’t quite know how to react.

While Jane was fortunate to catch the cancer early, she told us that the waiting to see doctors, for test results, for surgery, was the hardest part – the not knowing, the hope and the anxiety.

She said that the car journey to find her results felt like waiting for sentencing after a trial. The heavy wondering that questioned what life would be like after today.

With relief she heard that the surgery had been successful and the next steps were radiotherapy and hormone therapy, but not chemotherapy.

However, with relief came something unexpected, guilt.

Jane said that it was a terrible feeling that she had “got off lightly while others had experienced much worse.”

It was also guilt about all the attention, flowers and help she had received from her family, friends and wider community and she said that she felt almost fraudulent.

Jane told us that she had no idea how much support was there and was surprised when friends of friends would pop by to ensure she had everything she needed.

The support from both professional colleagues and her wider community ran very deep.

Late one Sunday evening after the lumpectomy, Jane’s armpit became swollen, painful and purple. She didn’t know what to do and didn’t want to go to hospital to wait in A&E. She reached out to a friend who had experienced her own cancer journey. Her friend was able to tell her, that while it was unpleasant, it was nothing to worry about and instead of a journey to the hospital it would be okay to go to the doctor the next day instead.

Jane said, “you simply don’t know what is ‘normal’ anymore. Everything went so wildly beyond any previous experience.”

She has now had ten sessions of radiotherapy and will continue with five years of hormone tablets. She is taking each day as it comes, is thankful for everything she has and trying to enjoy each moment.

Hope Against Cancer is extremely grateful to Jane for speaking to us about her experience with cancer. Such stories really bring home the importance of working towards improved treatments and helping more people to overcome cancer.

If you would like to help us continue to support local cancer research and care the benefits local people, please click here to donate

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Rick Moore steps down as Chair of the HOPE Trustee Board and becomes the President of the Charity

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 08:20:18 GMT

We recently sat down with Rick to discuss his life and his time as Chair at Hope Against Cancer.

On 22nd April, Rick Moore, Chair of the HOPE Trustee Board for the last ten years stepped down from the position and became the President of the Charity.

We recently sat down with Rick to discuss his life and his time as Chair at Hope Against Cancer.

Born just a few weeks after V.E. Day, Rick grew up in the Spinney Hills area of Leicester. His father had been an air-raid warden during the war and his mother worked in the local cutting factory.

His background, and experiences since, have left someone who is passionate about equality in education, of the provision of housing, a lifelong student of human nature and a dedicated member of civic society, as well as having a successful business career in the property industry.

His support for our local area and institutions is long and varied.

He was a local magistrate for thirty-five years, becoming Chairman of the Bench and he spent twelve years as Chair of Governors at Fullhurst Community College where he continues to chair the Trust.

He spent six years as the Chair of HealthWatch, 12 years as Chairman of Building Schools For the Future which rebuilt every secondary and special needs school in Leicester, and he was a member of the board of visitors at Gartree Prison for four years where he met many colourful characters.

He has also been the Chair of two other charities: the Princes Trust in Leicester and The Community Foundation, where he remains Vice President.

He stood as an independent to be the Mayor of Leicester in 2012 where he came in third with an impressive tally approaching 10,000 votes. He called it a crazy-busy but great eight weeks giving him a different insight and adding to his local knowledge of Leicester.

As we spoke, he quietly reflected that he supposed he had done ‘one or two things in his life’! He also often referenced how lucky and blessed he felt about his experiences.

Rick has made a difference in everything he has been involved in, helping so many fulfil their potential. Yet, when asked, Rick said, I only played a small part helping with strategy and getting the right people into the right position to flourish.

As the conversation moved to his time at HOPE, Rick started by saying, “the UK was once described as a nation of volunteers.” School Governance is made up of volunteers, local Magistrates are volunteers, Charity Trustees are volunteers, to name just a few. Rick is a huge advocate for volunteering stating that “it is remarkable the degree to which volunteers play a role in the whole fabric of the nation.”

Rick first became involved with the charity at the request of HOPE’s Coordinator Wendi Stevens who approached him with the view that his insights could help the organisation grow.

Rick knew Wendi through his position as Chair of The Community Foundation and part of his analysis was to recommend a new full-time Chief Executive role in the organisation. This was agreed and Rick was asked to oversee the interview process.

At the same time, he joined the Trustee Board and a little while later became Chair following the retirement of Michael Turnbull.

One of Rick’s favourite sayings about HOPE is that we ‘punch above our weight’ considering the size of the team and the substantial impact of the charity.

When asked about any highlights, two stood out. The Hope For Life appeal which raised £1.3 million for the expansion of the Hope Cancer Trials Centre and the 2022 fundraiser The Wild Atlantic Challenge, which took cyclists around the coast of southern Ireland.

Rick didn’t join the cyclists themselves but, with his wife Jo, did take HOPE patron Martin Johnson over to Ireland where Rick watched everyone in that rugby loving country try to talk to him.

With a smile on his face Rick said, “the riders rode 110 miles a day and every night I fell into bed absolutely shattered but all I had done was follow along in an automatic car!”

His feelings for HOPE are very warm but he said that when you hear the stories of those with cancer it still “makes you feel totally inadequate.”

While Rick would never say, we can say it for him. His leadership has been fantastic. His dedication to our governance has allowed the office team to thrive and we are incredibly thankful for his time as Chair.

We are privileged that Rick is continuing as President and staying involved with this special charity.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Supporter Spotlight: Simon and FMB Cycles

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:45:59 GMT

Who can really put a price on a cyclist’s peace of mind as they tackle the Alps thousands of miles away from home?

Hope Against Cancer has become almost synonymous with cycle challenges and we couldn’t do it without the support of Simon Holyoak and FMB Cycles.

At every Hope Against Cancer cycle challenge since 2015 there has been a bright red van quietly following at the back of the group, there to keep the bikes running safely and all the riders riding.

Without Simon and FMB Cycles none of the rides could have happened in the same safe and smooth way they did.

Simon’s first HOPE ride was the Geneva to Milan tour. He arrived two days ahead of the riders to meet the bikes which had been separately shipped to Switzerland. Once there, they unpacked and checked over all the bikes ensuring that each one was in the best condition for the ride to come.

Over four days the HOPE riders cycled 360 miles, covering 90 miles per day on a gruelling route which took them through the Swiss and Italian Alps. The FMB van followed them all the way fixing any issues that cropped up, and then stayed on to ensure all the bikes were properly re-packed for the journey home.

Two years later FMB were back in action on the ride named ‘Hope to Hope’.

Fifty cyclists set out on a 320-mile round trip through the gruelling hills of the Peak District, stopping at the key town of Hope in Derbyshire.

Once again FMB were there to fix punctures, broken chains, tire alignment – or indeed any other bike maintenance concern that raised its head.

They did the same in 2019 on the ‘2,500 Furlongs Cycle Challenge’ which toured British racecourses and again in 2022 on the ‘Wild Atlantic Challenge’ in County Kerry.

Their constant presence has brought reassurance to every HOPE rider who has joined a HOPE ride over the last decade – and they continue to do so, most recently at the incredible 2024 ‘If Alice Can, Anyone Can’ cycle ride from Leicestershire to Norfolk.

This ride is happening again on 23rd August 2025 and so anyone with concerns about the ‘what-ifs’ of bike maintenance on the long ride can rest easy in the knowledge that such a skilled crew is on-hand support everyone.

Yet, technical support is not all FMB do in aid of HOPE. At the shop on Saffron Lane people often pop in for little things like pumping up their tires. The team is happy to accommodate and each time the customer is told it costs a £1 donation to HOPE.

They also part exchange bikes, or are the recipients of donated old bikes, and the value of this part exchange is donated to HOPE.

Over the years FMB Cycles have raised over £1,500 alongside the incalculable amount of free technical support they have provided. Who can really put a price on a cyclist’s peace of mind as they tackle the Alps thousands of miles away from home?

Our endless thanks go out to Simon and FMB Cycles, Hope Against Cancer is privileged to have such a team supporting us.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Why We Do What We Do - Part IV

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:01:08 GMT

The team at the Centre were always on hand and Michael said that they do “amazing work. They are so knowledgeable and supportive, always willing to go the extra mile to make me feel welcome and comfortable.”

This story has been told to us by Michael, it is his very personal experience of cancer and highlights the importance of why we do what we do and why it is vital that we continue to fund and support the cancer research and clinical trials that can change lives.

Michael was on a trial at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre at the Leicester Royal Infirmary between January 2019 and July 2020.

The trial was named: ‘A trial of ibrutinib with rituximab for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (FLAIR)’ and considered variations of drugs to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). This was a trial to compare the effectiveness of second line drug treatments with current chemotherapy in untreated patients with CLL.

Before such trials, the standard treatment for CLL was chemotherapy, with drugs as second line treatment. Researchers wanted to see if these roles could be reversed.

Michael was put forward by his consultant, Dr Kennedy.

He then went through a barrage of blood tests looking for biomarkers. The tests were designed to check if Michael exhibited genetic characteristics that would respond to the trial drugs.

Following acceptance onto the trial came computer randomisation. A computer randomises participants for different aspects of the trial as well as a control group.

Michael was treated with a drug named ibrutinib.

Throughout the process he was under constant surveillance with x-rays, bone marrow samples, ultrasounds and more – all to ensure that both the participants and the researchers understood what was happening.

Michael was first diagnosed with CLL in 2011. It was at an extremely early stage and he experienced the first aspect of CLL treatment named ‘Watch and Wait’.

During this period a person with CLL has regular blood tests to monitor the progress of the disease. CLL is one of the few cancers that does not benefit from early intervention.

For Michael, this Watch and Wait period would last seven years.

In 2017 his white blood count was trending upwards and in 2018 his doctor told him it was time to start treatment.

When asked about his feelings about going on a trial Michael told us that he was a little nervous. The drugs being tested were incredibly powerful and he wondered about the side-effects.

He was fortunate that he found very little side effects and when, at one stage he did exhibit signs of an allergic reaction in the form of a head-to-toe rash, he was immediately treated at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre with steroids. ( This was not due to the ibrutinib, it was due to a supplementary drug that he was given to prevent side effects )

The team at the Centre were always on hand and Michael said that they do “amazing work. They are so knowledgeable and supportive, always willing to go the extra mile to make me feel welcome and comfortable.”

Michael continued to say that he “owed them a tremendous amount and is endlessly thankful.”

He also wanted to say how fantastic the Haematology department at the LRI were during his treatment.

In the end Michael was unable to complete the trial. He also has Crohn's disease and a flare up of this meant that he needed to withdraw from the trial. Nevertheless, the drugs had proven their worth. His white blood cell count had reduced to normal and he returned to ‘Watch and Wait’ status.

In 2022 he needed to re-start treatment – and this time he was given venetoclax – which was a direct result of the outcomes of the trial he had started in 2019!

Michael is doing well and the drugs are keeping his CLL under control without the need for chemotherapy.

Hope Against Cancer is extremely grateful to Michael for speaking to us about his experience with cancer and the Hope Cancer Trials Centre. Such stories really bring home the importance of working towards improved treatments and helping more people to overcome cancer.

If you would like to help us continue to support local cancer research and care the benefits local people, please click here to donate .

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Supporter Spotlight: Bharat Patel

Fri, 02 May 2025 09:32:58 GMT

His adventurous early childhood meant that by the age of eight he had lived on three continents!

Bharat Patel was a familiar face as a reporter on Central News until he became a freelance documentary producer, and he is a long-time HOPE supporter.

His adventurous early childhood meant that by the age of eight he had lived on three continents. He was one of the first Asian reporters on British radio and television and has written all about his experiences in his autobiography, Indian Takeaway .

Bharat very kindly donates all the profits to HOPE.

He first encountered HOPE a decade ago when the charity commissioned a new fund-raising film. At this time, he was providing media training and making films for a range of organisations including Guide Dogs and the National Holocaust Museum. Bharat understands the power of visual storytelling and agreed to make our film.

He decided to write his autobiography after filming in India following an earthquake. On a day off he visited tombs of maharajas near Bhuj in Gujarat where there were two queues for admission: one for locals at ten rupees and one for foreign visitors, who paid 100 rupees. Bharat, who was born in the area and spoke Gujarati, joined the first queue but was refused admission on the grounds that he was ‘a foreigner’. The experience made him examine his identity and consider his upbringing.

He asked his family hundreds of questions, uncovering many stories, discovering that his grandfather had twice been jailed by the British for supporting Mahatma Gandhi’s Independence Movement and both his grandmothers were married by the age of two, as was the custom – though this was not revealed to them until they were 16.

Indian Takeaway details his childhood in India, Africa and England and the challenges faced by early Indian immigrants.

Bharat says, ‘I didn’t want these memories to die so I recorded them on scraps of paper until I had enough to write my book, which views a bewildering world through the eyes of a small boy.’

When he finished the book he decided any profits would go to charity and chose HOPE because, after making our film, he had a good understanding of what we do and the difference we make in our local area. We were thrilled by the offer!

But it isn’t just a case of putting the book up for sale and sitting back. Bharat often speaks at University of the Third Age events, where he sells his book to the audience. He includes stories from the book and behind-the-scenes television moments like his interviews with the world’s oldest donkey and the parrot which allegedly escaped to Spain and flew back three years later speaking Spanish!

He also reveals his chaotic humorous childhood growing up in a "madcap Indian family". Until he went to Zambia at the age of eight, he had never seen anyone from Africa or Europe.

“My uncle told me English people live in a land far far away where it is always cold and rainy and so they never go outside. Some English people lived in Zambia, where it was too hot for them, so they stayed indoors. Spotting an Englishman is like spotting a tiger. You only see them rarely!”

Bharat’s experiences differed substantially from his expectations.

There will shortly be a second reprint of the book, with the proceeds continuing to go to Hope Against Cancer. If you would like a taster, BBC Sounds have an abridged version of Indian Takeaway on their website – you'll need to google ‘BBC Sounds,’ ‘Bharat Patel’ and ‘Indian Takeaway’. This audio version contains only 8,000 of the 67,000 words.

Both Bharat and HOPE would be extremely grateful if you purchased a copy. It’s available here.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Why We Do What We Do - Part III

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:15:03 GMT

"I wanted to stay Emma, I wanted to stay myself, to feel as much myself as I could."

This story has been told to us by Emma, a mum to four boys and a kindergarten administrator.

This is Emma’s very personal experience of cancer and highlights the importance of why we do what we do and why it is vital that we continue to fund and support the cancer research and clinical trials that can change lives.

In September 2023, Emma found a lump in her left breast. A visit to the GP resulted in a hospital referral where a mammogram, biopsy and ultrasound resulted in a diagnosis of invasive lobular breast cancer.

The first treatment was a lumpectomy, but the procedure did not result in clear margins, the cancer had spread to one of her lymph nodes.

A full auxiliary node clearance followed, and a sample was sent away for Oncotype Scoring. This is a test to determine how worthwhile it would be for Emma to receive chemotherapy.

Unfortunately, the results were “on the cusp”, Emma told us. They simply couldn't say if chemotherapy would be of benefit, so the treatment was the recommended course of action.

Four rounds of EC chemotherapy – the red devil as it is known – followed. Emma tried the cold cap treatment, however the tablets that are given as part of this procedure made her feel terrible and so she stopped the cold cap after three rounds of EC.

After the EC chemotherapy came twelve rounds of Paclitaxel (another chemotherapy drug) before radiotherapy began.

This ended a year to the day of Emma’s first operation and she is now on the follow up drugs Tamoxifen and Olaparib.

As far as Emma is aware she is the first in her family to have breast cancer (or any cancer) so “it was a bolt out of the blue.”

Emma continues, “If someone had said to me a few years ago ‘you’re going to get breast cancer’ or any cancer, I thought that I would become a quivering wreck and be very tearful.

“I’m quite an emotional person, I used to cry when my children did school plays, all that kind of thing! I was a bit known for my crying! But when I got a cancer diagnosis, somehow I went into a kind of action mode. ‘Right, let’s do this’.

“People have told me I was very positive, I don’t know if I particularly felt very positive, but I was just focussed on the principle of ‘let’s get on with it, let’s get rid of it’. I couldn’t see the point of being any other way.

“I worked as much as I could, I wanted to stay Emma, I wanted to stay myself, to feel as much myself as I could.

“Work kept me sane. My boss was amazing, they were very flexible. I made a few mistakes with my ‘chemo-brain’ but everyone at work was very patient.

“I had the odd ‘woe is me’ moment – two particular occasions I remember – before my first chemo I was very scared but the nurses were fantastic and after my second chemo I had a bit of a cry.

“Nevertheless, I stayed fairly positive. After the mastectomy, around day three, I had a ‘why me’ moment but you pull yourself out and get on with it.

“I have not reacted the way I thought I would, and because I’ve stayed fairly upbeat, I think my family have as well. My kids have been amazing.

“When I was first diagnosed there was quite a lot of dark humour, we laughed a lot, which I guess is better than crying. My friends have been brilliant as well.

“It’s been as positive as it can be, I guess.

“While chemo is brutal, I lost my hair and felt sick, what the nurses said to me stayed with me and I’ve said it to other people since – there is no reason to feel sick and be vomiting all the time, not with the medication they have these days. I was advised to take the medication before I felt sick and it really helped.

“The nurses were beyond amazing, they become like your best friends, they are special people. They pull you through, they keep you going.”

Hope Against Cancer is extremely grateful to Emma for speaking to us about her experience with cancer. Such stories really bring home the importance of working towards improved treatments and helping more people to overcome cancer.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Supporter Spotlight: North Kilworth Wharf

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:09:23 GMT

An interview with John Edgar from North Kilworth Wharf

John Edgar and Gez Wright are wonderful long-term supporters of Hope Against Cancer. They are always collecting on our behalf as well as donating directly, regularly providing raffle prizes and running events.

We recently sat down to chat with them about their support.

John and Gez run the North Kilworth Wharf on the Grand Union Canal. The wharf caters to most things boats – hire, repair, re-paint – and if they don’t know, you can be sure they know someone who does. As such, they are well known in the community, particularly on the Leicester stretch of the iconic canal.

John is always happy to provide free excursions on the boat ‘Lazy Days’ as a prize for any auctions or raffles that Hope are running, and, as North Kilworth Wharf is stationed on a particularly charming section of the Grand Union, where it runs for 22 miles without any locks, these prizes are always enjoyed by the winners.

Thanks to a boom in ‘staycations’ after the COVID-19 lockdowns were lifted, business is doing well and they are always looking for new ways to support Hope Against Cancer.

In 2024, they came up with an idea they decided to name ‘Hopetober’.

October is a quiet month for the boat hire business and so John and Gez invited friends as well as anyone who had had even a small issue with their canal boat holiday to enjoy a free 3–4 day hire.

While it was not compulsory, they did ask each person for a donation to Hope and, across the six trips taken in October, they raised £1422 for world-class local cancer research and care.

We asked them why they have chosen to support Hope with such dedication and passion for so long, and John told us that he had first become aware of the charity through the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Rick Moore. He has been friends with Rick for twenty years and he “found a purpose in supporting Hope”.

There is no way any visitor to North Kilworth Wharf can come away unaware of Hope Against Cancer. The team there like to help people and always endeavour to provide the best possible price for repairs (or whatever a boat’s need may be) – and alongside this usually comes a request for a donation to Hope.

This summer for example, the great David Suchet, probably best known for his role as detective Hercule Poirot, also found himself donating to Hope having dropped by the wharf for some help.

Every penny counts and we are extremely grateful for the constant support of John, Gez and everyone at North Kilworth Wharf – it is through such continual and dedicated support that we are able to make, and keep, our funding commitments for the Hope Cancer Trials Centre and the other world-class local researchers we support.

Why We Do What We Do - Part II

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 09:46:18 GMT

I had mentally prepared myself - I am just the type to think, ‘ok - this is what I have to do, so let’s get started’.

This story has been told to us by Rachel. It is her very personal experience of cancer and highlights the importance of why we do what we do and why it is vital that we continue to fund and support the cancer research and clinical trials that can change lives.

Rachel’s breast cancer type is HER2+ but no one else in her family had been diagnosed before, so it came out of the blue.

Rachel told us, “When I felt the lump I immediately knew it was going to be cancer. I teach A-level Biology and GCSE. As part of this we teach people how to check their chests and we have model breasts with lumps to try and find.

“My lump was much larger than the ones in the models, but it still just sort of came on overnight. In about 2 weeks it was suddenly very noticeable.

“I was sent for a mammogram, biopsy and an ultrasound which confirmed HER2+ breast cancer.

“Because I knew it was going to be cancer, I had mentally prepared myself - I am just the type to think, ‘ok - this is what I have to do, so let’s get started’.

“I found the lump on the 6th June and chemo started in the middle of August.

“I didn’t feel unwell so it was an odd feeling knowing the treatment can make you feel ill, and I had my hair cut short ready for the chemotherapy.

“I had seven rounds of chemo (four Docetaxel and three EC: known as Red Devil chemo) every 3 weeks. The final round was on 13th December 2023.

“It was mentally hard for me. I really struggled with EC which left me feeling very sick and I hated the injections you had to have daily after the treatment more than anything else.

“After all this I was disappointed to find out that the lump had only shrank by 1cm to 2.8cms!!

“I had a Therapeutic Mammoplasty in mid-January 2024 and my lymph nodes were taken for testing.

“I did not get clear margins from the first operation so I had to have another, but nothing was found in the lymph nodes - yes!! - A positive at last.

“My second operation was in mid-February. It was the same operation again but I just had more tissue removed this time.

“Following this I met with my oncologist to be told I now needed another year’s worth of a treatment called Kadcyla (which mops up any cancer cells that may have escaped). I would also be taking Anastrozole for five years and needed zoledronic acid infusions (six of these over three years).

“The Anastrozole started straight away, but the rest would start after radiotherapy.

“There was a long gap between the operation and the start of radiotherapy which was frustrating. I began radiotherapy in May. It was a daily treatment for 15 days excluding weekends and bank holidays.

“The Kadcyla started in June and I have this every three weeks. I also have my bloods taken, a doctor phone call prior to each treatment and an echocardiogram once every three months to check my heart.

“I have pain in my joints, recently my back pain is worse (but I did have pain occasionally before diagnosis) and I have pain in my rib on the right side where I had treatment, so I needed a bone scan.

“This was more stressful as I could not predict the results. I am now awaiting an MRI scan because they believe it is degenerative in my L5 vertebrae but this needs confirmation.

“So for me - I have coped well until now. This is something I feel I cannot control and I cannot predict the outcome. I am just hoping and praying the bones are all clear and that the pain is due to something else.”

Hope Against Cancer is extremely grateful to Rachel for speaking to us about her experience with cancer. Such stories really bring home the importance of working towards improved treatments and helping more people to overcome cancer.

We wish her well for the next stage in her treatment.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Why We Do What We Do

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 11:49:45 GMT

“It is the biggest emotional rollercoaster I’ve ever been on."

This story has been told to us by Emma. It is her very personal experience of cancer and highlights the importance of why we do what we do and why it is vital that we continue to fund and support the cancer research and clinical trials that can change lives.

In February 2023, Emma was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer which resulted in a mastectomy, lymph node removal and an immediate breast reconstruction in April 2023.

Emma told us that the surgery was nine hours and recovery was tough, but manageable.

Unfortunately, the cancer remained, her margins were positive and her sentinel lymph node was cancerous. These microscopic cells needed to be removed via chemotherapy, radiotherapy and medication.

Further surgery was required in June 2023 to take the reconstruction back down, to remove some skin and to remove the lymph nodes under her arm, which would help prevent the cancer spreading around her body.

Emma said, “this has left me flat on one side and I’m now in the process of getting expander implants.”

Emma is currently on the following drugs as treatment continues: Abemaciclib, Anastrozole, Leuprorelin injections and Zolendronic acid infusions.

When asked about how she felt, Emma told us, “When I was initially diagnosed my immediate thoughts went to my children. How would I tell them? How would they cope?

“During chemotherapy I took it one day at a time and allowed my body and mind to rest when they needed.

“Walking helped me massively with both my energy levels and holding onto a positive mindset.

“Nevertheless, there were moments throughout my chemotherapy that I found really difficult.

“Before chemotherapy I decided I wanted to donate my hair to the Little Princess Trust to hopefully help a young person with their hair loss, so I cut my usually long hair short.

“I had three rounds of EC chemotherapy and three rounds of Docetaxel chemotherapy. The treatment was brutal and despite the cold cap (a treatment designed to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy) my hair started to fall out almost immediately.

“I kept holding on to the hope that I wouldn’t lose it all, that it would just thin. I couldn’t bear to shave my head as it was just too upsetting, but, by my fifth treatment, I braved the shave. By this point I was literally holding onto just a few strands of hair.

“Watching my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes fall out was a visual reminder that I was poorly and seeing more and more fall out each day was extremely traumatic.

“Wearing hats and wigs helped me feel more like myself.

“I also sometimes needed to allow myself the time and space to digest everything I was going through

“Talking to people in the breast cancer community really helps but I also find people reaching out to me. To feel like I am helping and supporting them gives me an additional sense of purpose and the feeling that I am doing good.

“It is the biggest emotional rollercoaster I’ve ever been on.

“The pain I feel most is the pain that all this has caused for my husband and children.

“As a mother and a wife all I want to do is protect my family and take care of them.

“Sadly, this was taken out of my control when I was diagnosed. As much as I tried to remain positive and hopeful, I still couldn’t protect them from the heartbreak I felt I caused them.

“They are the only people that see me at my absolute worst - when I was sick, fatigued and crying because my hair was falling out or because I was scared.

“My husband and children are my absolute world and if I could take all the worry and upset away from them I would.

“There is only so much hiding tears from your children you can do, but I’ve also found being open and honest with them is good.

“Sharing our feelings and emotions as a family has only made us stronger.”

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Award winning Alice!

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 10:43:11 GMT

Hope Ambassador Alice Greaves wins the Furnley House Community Champions Award for Fundraiser of the Year

A huge congratulations to Hope ambassador and all-round inspiration Alice Greaves who won the Fundraiser of the Year award at the Furnley House Community Champions Awards

Here is a brief summary of the story of the 'If Alice Can, Anyone Can' event (told to us by a very tired Alice in the days that followed)

On a rain-filled Saturday during the August bank holiday weekend, 50+ riders took part in a 125-mile cycle from Leicestershire to Norfolk, raising nearly £100,000 for local cancer research.

The ride was organised by Alice Greaves from Old Dalby. Her strength and determination, and a host of supporters from businesses and the community, resulted in both her successful arrival in Sheringham and an extraordinary amount of donations for Hope Against Cancer.

The original aim was to raise £50,000 but this target was smashed before the ride even began!

Alice was first diagnosed with breast cancer at just 24. The day before her 26 ^th birthday she was then diagnosed with secondary breast cancer which has spread to her lungs. She has dedicated herself to raising awareness for vital local cancer research and living life to the full – which included regular long distance practise rides to ensure she could reach the finish line with her smile still in place.

Alice told us, “It was an early start. I woke at 4.30am to some terrible weather but that wasn't going to stop me or the other 54 riders from completing the ride. Spirits were high when the groups of riders began to set off. I was in the second group, leaving shortly after 5:30am, with four groups departing after me.

“Lunch at 9:00am was slightly odd! Nevertheless, the burgers and chips helped get us back out into the torrential rain.

“Wet, windy and wild. Three words that summed up the ride!

“After some tough hills on the way into Sheringham, I could finally see the sea and the crowds that waited for me.

“I was greeted by 100+ people at the finish line, we were soaking wet, but all had smiles on their faces. It was quite the day!”

Nigel Rose, CEO of Hope Against Cancer said, “Alice, her groups of riders, family, supporters, sponsors and support crew were phenomenal. We know how hard they’ve been working. The amount raised was unbelievable and beyond all expectations. Every pedal turned on that day raised vital funds for cancer research for the benefit of the people and communities in which we live.”

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Ellena and Ian's Story

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 08:37:21 GMT

We recently met Ian for a coffee at the RVS café at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, his wife Ellena is coming to the end of a trial at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre and he is in remission having received treatment for prostate cancer at the Osborne Building.

Ian generously donates to HOPE and wanted to share their story with us .

It began for Ellena in early 2022 with breathlessness and the need to climb the stairs on all fours.

The GP surgery quickly arranged a bed, provided her with a letter and sent her to the CDU at Glenfield Hospital.

Ellena spent seven nights in the Glenfield from 20 ^th - 27 ^th April and returned for another eight nights at the start of May. This period was a blur of blood tests, ECGs, scans, x-rays, echocardiograms, fluid drains and a lumber puncture.

The initial diagnosis was non-Hodgkin lymphoma which came as a great shock, Ellena’s mum had passed away from the same condition.

Tests and treatment moved to the Leicester Royal Infirmary where Ellena met her consultant Dr Becky Allchin and registrar Dr Dan Halperin. They confirmed the diagnosis which had reached stage 4, but was treatable.

Ellena was offered the opportunity to participate in a new drug trial at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre. She felt pragmatic about the potential risks involved in trialing new treatment with the attitude that if no one ever took part, there would be no advances…

In any trial there is randomization. A computer selects some participants to take the new drug and others to not. Other than this difference, both sets of patients receive identical treatment and care.

Ellena was not chosen to receive the drug, but she remained within the trial group and this is a key component of Ellena's story. It meant that she always had access to the team at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre who both Ellena and Ian, describe as amazing! Ellena was assigned a nurse, Pam, and they came to know each other very well. The Centre staff were only a phone call away and always ready to help.

Ellena’s treatment was a course of six chemotherapy sessions, three weeks apart. They finished on 21 ^st September 2022.

Due to the side-effects of chemotherapy, Ellena was admitted to the LRI on three occasions due to infections. Ellena and Ian said that the staff at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre went above and beyond on every occasion and at every visit, whether pre-scheduled or not.

In October 2022, Ellena was advised that she was in complete metabolic remission. Nevertheless, as part of the trial, she continued to undergo reviews every three months for the first year after the final session of chemotherapy, and every four months for the next year.

With the trial still ongoing, Ellena will continue to have annual telephone reviews until it is complete.

In February 2023, following years of monitoring his PSA levels (a measure of the amount of a protein produced by the prostate gland in the blood), Ellena and Ian found themselves facing double adversity as Ian was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Fortunately, Ian’s cancer had not spread, and he was given a choice of treatment – either a total prostatectomy, or hormone implants and radiotherapy. He chose the hormone and radiotherapy option. Due to waiting lists, the hormone treatment (4 weeks of tablets, and 12-weekly implants) started nine months before the radiotherapy and by the time he began the therapy his PSA levels had dropped considerably.

He had a few side-effects, however, having observed Ellena’s treatment and helped her respond to her own side-effects, he found hope and strength in her example and the care she received.

Ian is also now in remission, with a low PSA level, and no longer needs the hormone implants. He will just have a PSA blood test, and follow-up phone call, every 6 months.

Due to their amazing treatment in the Osborne Building at the LRI – both in oncology and at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre – Ian decided to volunteer in the outpatient department as a way to give back for the wonderful care both he and Ellena had received. Having firsthand experience of the building, treatment and the staff, he is able to empathise with the visitors he speaks to, direct people and he makes teas and coffees for the wonderful doctors, which frees up time for the hard-working healthcare assistants.

As a volunteer Ian is entitled to be paid a mileage allowance each week for travel and, as thanks for the amazing staff and care Ellena received at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre, he has kindly chosen to donate this to Hope Against Cancer.

Ellena and Ian are now getting back to enjoying retired life and travel.

We are extremely grateful to Ellena and Ian for both sharing their story and their splendid regular donation towards the continuation of life-changing cancer research and trials here in Leicestershire and Rutland.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

HOPE runners triumph in the London Big Half!

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 10:36:01 GMT

On 1 ^st September thousands of runners took part in the London Big Half Marathon. Among the crowds were 18 incredible people taking part to raise money for Hope Against Cancer.

The 13.1 mile course took the runners on a journey across London starting at Tower Bridge and ending at the iconic Cutty Sark in Greenwich.

The event began at 8.25am with the start of the elite wheelchair race. This was closely followed by the elite runners and then the first mass wave.

Dame Kelly Holmes led the elite runners off the start line. HOPE’s own Corporate and Community Partnerships Manager, Tim Gorman-Powell, ran in elite group A…

Tim said, “I’m not sure how or why I found myself in that group but I enjoyed running alongside the best of the best for the short time I did so!”

The sun was shining and spirits were high. The atmosphere was amazing as thousands of friends and family roared on the 10,000+ runners through the streets of London.

The finish line was packed with spectators and reverberated to the loud music playing over the PA system.

Tim concludes that it was “an incredible event from start to finish, with a great atmosphere and a beautiful route through the capital.”

The HOPE runners not only raised thousands for cancer research and trials support but they also had a wonderful day.

Here is some of their feedback:

"It was a pleasure to run the Big Half in aid of Hope Against Cancer with a wonderful amount of money raised so far!"

"I can't put it into words, it was so hot and hard but I LOVED IT!! Thank you so much for this amazing experience"

"Great day running in London for Hope Against Cancer"

"Enjoyable day in the capital with a great group of people all running for Hope Against Cancer. I even set a new half marathon PB!!!"

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone that made the trip to support Hope Against Cancer and life changing cancer research and clinical trials here in Leicestershire and Rutland.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

‘If Alice Can, Anyone Can’ - Cycling 125 miles for local cancer research.

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:53:16 GMT

A Hope Against Cancer Press Release

At just 24 years old Alice Greaves from Old Dalby, Leicestershire, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is dedicated to raising awareness and fundraising for the incredible cancer research and trials that are happening locally and so, on the 24th August, Alice, and many others, are cycling from Old Dalby to Sheringham, Norfolk, a journey of 125 miles, and you are invited to join them.

The ride is in aid of Hope Against Cancer, a local charity that funds cancer research and supports treatment and trials at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre in the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

It began for Alice with a pain, but for the first three months she was told that she was experiencing simple muscle pain. When she was then diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, she said that “it tipped my whole life upside down, smashed it into a million pieces - even the specialist was shocked.”

After some thought Alice said that she realised, “I could’ve taken this as an excuse to sit on the sofa all day every day and let it beat me, but thankfully fight mode activated straight away and I have spent the last year and a half giving everything I have to beat it.”

Treatment began with chemotherapy and ended with a double mastectomy and an ongoing 18 months of chemotherapy tablets – eight per day!

Alice is a huge advocate for local charities and the work that they do to support the local community. She has a popular platform on Instagram (@ ifanycanalicecan ) where she promotes charity work as well as openly and honestly sharing her personal journey and campaigning for breast cancer awareness.

Alice said of Hope Against Cancer, “At the start of this journey I chose to fundraise for Hope because they work for everything that I wish to achieve. Local fundraising going towards vital local healthcare.”

The ‘If Alice Can, Anyone Can’ cycle ride is a single day challenge and is attracting sponsors and riders from across the East Midlands, but more people, groups and organisations are needed to make it the best it can be.

Hope Against Cancer receives no government funding and it is through incredible fundraising efforts like this ride that the charity can continue to support amazing life-changing work in Leicestershire and Rutland.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

An Interview with Dorothy - Hope's longest serving volunteer

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 08:41:59 GMT

We recently sat down with Hope’s longest serving volunteer Dorothy Tomlinson to talk a little bit about her time with the charity.

Dorothy, from Peatling Magna, was an administrator for various doctors and professors at the University of Leicester for many years, she served as a local magistrate and is both a writer and a poet.

Dorothy first heard about us when she attended Hope’s Founder Mrs Allison Wilson’s funeral in 2002. Dorothy and Mrs Wilson were fellow magistrates and during the service Mrs Wilson’s brother George spoke of the planned new charity dedicated to local cancer research.

Hope was destined to become a significant part of Dorothy’s future.

When the formation of The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research was announced in the Leicester Mercury, Dorothy recognised Professor Will Steward in the accompanying picture. Professor Steward had recently been appointed as her husband Ray’s consultant following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

When Ray passed a collection was taken at the funeral for Hope.

Not long after, Dorothy decided to start volunteering with the charity. She began with us at 5 Castle View, a basic office that leaked when it rained.

Dorothy turned up for her first day at the same time as the arrival of the very first Hope computers. She was asked if she had any experience with spreadsheets. As a seasoned administrator Dorothy said yes and has been cataloguing the kindness and generosity of our supporters ever since.

In a twist of fate, it was the donations collected at her husband’s funeral which were the first funds that she needed to record that day.

Dorothy began to volunteer with Hope on a Thursday in 2004 and continued to do so all the way up to the covid lockdowns.

After the restrictions lifted she moved her office day to a Wednesday but still counts and catalogues donations and makes us all smile.

When asked about her most significant moment with Hope Against Cancer, the simple answer was “there have been quite a few”! She picked out the three major ‘Tour de Hope’ cycle rides that she had joined as a member of the support crew as particularly wonderful but what is more significant to Dorothy have always been the people.

Dorothy has met everyone who has ever worked for Hope and probably 99% of the volunteers too and the word she used was “camaraderie”. No matter who has come through our doors they have all been a part of the same cause and here to help however they can.

Her weekly ‘Hope Day’ has become an integral part of Dorothy’s life and her family are very supportive of her role and the work of the charity.

Her grandson William is also a regular volunteer, starting at the early age of eight when he asked Dorothy if he could hold a fundraising coffee morning. He went on to hold three such mornings and his achievements were featured in the Leicester Mercury.

As we mentioned earlier, Dorothy is also a poet and has, on occasion, composed retirement poems for those leaving the charity.

She was happy to share one with us...

Ode to Wendi – the volunteers perspective.

On this auspicious occasion

As we raise a glass or two,

We’d like to take time for reflection

On ten years at Hope and of you.

With a leaky roof and an answerphone

It began at Castle View

But with your powers of persuasion

Like Topsy ‘it just grew’.

You steered us through two summer balls

And likewise cycle rides,

Hope’s researchers came on board

With tea and broccoli.

By now we were running out of space

But thanks to DMU

Moved to Fielding Johnson’s Bishops’ house

Maybe home from home to you?

This produced a strange phenomenon

A pseudo-poltergeist attack,

Your correspondence missing

And recycling bin ransacked.

Over your misplaced purse and glasses

We quickly drew a veil

But losing other people’s specs

Was quite beyond the pale.

However DMU’s impending sale

Forced us to move once more

To our present home in Knighton Road

With your commands galore.

Desks that should be tidy

No eating up the stairs

And proceed slowly down the driveway

Was ringing in our ears.

But may we take this opportunity

To just point out to you

That racing along like Jacques Laffite

Does somewhat break the rules.

And there was the episode of the fire alarm

When you were heard to shout,

Dust having hit the proverbial fan

‘Everybody out!’

But we’ll miss your help and kindness

And united we agree

That we’ll miss the Cradock’s sandwiches

And the cups of builders tea.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Ian’s Story

Wed, 15 May 2024 11:45:15 GMT

I believe that my experience with CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia) was fairly typical. It all began with an insurance policy blood test which showed a slightly raised white blood cell count that I needed to discuss with my GP. A referral to Leicester Royal Infirmary led to a diagnosis of CLL in July 2019.

‘A classic case’ the consultant said. I was 73 and it was a diagnosis by chance rather than by symptoms. The CLL was not that advanced and the doctors told me that there was no advantage to early treatment for this particular form of cancer. I was given reams of literature about the disease, which included plenty of optimistic comments about the success rates of the latest treatment, and I was put on Watch and Wait status. I soon learned that this is more realistically called Watch and Worry… I was also likely to be more prone to infection, and with COVID just around the corner, I became socially ultra cautious.

I watched and I waited for three years, with blood tests every three months and ongoing discussions with my excellent consultant Dr Allchin. Dr Allchin was very clear about how the disease was progressing, realistic, but positive nevertheless. It was particularly helpful that my wife was able to attend all the sessions and that I could record them on my phone.

In Autumn 2022 the tests revealed that it was time to start my treatment and I was given all the information I needed to make my own decision. I had two options. For me it was either take tablets for the rest of my life or a one-year treatment that would involve hospital visits.

I chose the one year 'targeted therapy’ option. This is one of the new cancer treatments that research by centres such as the Hope Cancer Trials Centre has made possible.

To begin I was given monthly infusions at the Osborne Day Centre at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. The nurses were superb, and the atmosphere was positive. This lasted approximately 6 months and while I was very tired for much of the time, there were not too many side effects. The treatment does affect your immune system so, in normal circumstances I would have needed to minimise social mixing, but the impact of COVID was having a similar effect anyway. The other part of my treatment was tablet-based which built to a crescendo of four large pills every day for ten months. This overlapped with the infusions, so that it was all completed within the same year.

I received regular support from my consultant, from my CLL nurses (Sarah and Tina), from the Osborne Clinic nurses, and from the 24/7 Haematology helpline, and all this at an incredibly difficult time for every part of the NHS.

My targeted therapy, which both enabled my immune system to recognise and fight the cancer, and attacked the disease itself, is a massive improvement on the earlier invasive treatments. To me, this clearly shows the progress made in cancer therapy thanks to research by organisations like Hope against Cancer.

It was obvious how expensive all this is, especially as improvements are made in the effectiveness of treatment.

Fundraising is a vital element in making these improvements possible.

After I was told I was in remission I wanted to show my gratitude for the support I received at the LRI and donated to Hope Against Cancer to help support the incredible work of the Hope Cancer Trials Centre.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Leicester Fireworks festival supports Hope Against Cancer

Wed, 15 May 2024 11:38:10 GMT

On 4th November, Leicester Racecourse held its newly revamped fireworks festival with live music, magic, a funfair and two impressive firework displays (one for children and a later one for adults).

As the racecourse’s 2023 charity of the year Hope was provided with hospitality space in the boxes and Club room for which we sold tickets. It was a great space where our guests were then able to base themselves for the event. There was food provided by the racecourse and shelter from the intermittent rain both inside and from the covered balcony beyond.

The Hope hospitality area had the finest view available that night with the firework display being set up in the track U-bend directly in front of us.

Opening at 4, heavy clouds seemed to give way to patches of light blue and spots of red sky on one side, while remaining dark on the other. This was the way the weather went throughout the night, sometimes rain, sometimes not. Fortunately for all, when it did rain it didn’t last too long and it didn’t seem to dull the crowd's enthusiasm for the myriad of entertainment laid on by the racecourse.

Looking out from the grandstand on the falling night it was anything but dark. In front was a well-lit stage for the live acts, and, later on, Fun House superstar, and DJ, Pat Sharp! Over to the right was the bright funfair with dodge-ums, and many a spiraling, scream inducing ride. And everywhere else there were children, and probably more than a few adults, swinging multi-coloured glowing sticks and swords.

Behind the stand there were carts of food which filled the air with the beautiful smells of spices, burgers, fried onions, salt, vinegar and chips. Alongside these stood stalls selling jewellery, Christmas cards, sweets and much more.

Some amazing Hope volunteers also ran a stall selling items alongside a very popular tombola of generously donated items. Other intrepid volunteers braved the weather and roamed the site in hi-vis Hope tops carrying collection buckets.

And then there was the children’s area located near the winner's circle. A riot of laughter tumbled from various bouncy castles, the face painting area, and the magic show.

At 7.30, Hope staff members, Barbara and Tim, took to the stage to introduce us to the crowd, to thank them for their support and to wish everyone a good night.

And then the first display began. Purples, oranges, greens, reds, and blues fanned out into the sky and finished to a surge of applause from the captivated crowd.

The second display, a few hours later, was even more impressive and provided a fine crescendo to a wonderful, and productive year for Hope Against Cancer as Leicester Racecourse’s charity of the year.

The event would not have been possible without the huge efforts of Lucy, who stood by the front gate for many hours ensuring that our guests were identified and knew where to go, Barbara and Tim who were everywhere else helping our guests and volunteers, the incredible volunteers themselves - Matteo, Will, Dorothy, Julie, Charlotte, Lizz and Sally - and the brilliant racecourse team.

8 remarkable lads kayak 41 miles on the River Soar to raise money for Hope Against Cancer

mash@eazi-apps.co.uk (Mash Patel) — Wed, 15 May 2024 11:35:30 GMT

On Saturday 30th September, 8 friends from Whetstone’s Vipers RFC overcame lost sunglasses, an angry swan, getting lodged on a weir and a lot of inexperience to complete a gruelling 41-mile sponsored kayak from Northampton to Leicester in aid of the Leicester based cancer research charity Hope Against Cancer.

The group, Matt Salmon, Lee Simmons, Nathan Smith, Wes Cartwright, Sam Fitzpatrick, Tom Clowes, Arran Caddy and Liam King, set off from Nether Hayford at 4am, finishing at Kilby Bridge at 6.25pm.

41 miles is a long walk and would be considered by many to be a ludicrously long run. To do this distance in a kayak where every meter forward is propelled by the upper body is considered to be the equivalent effort of running an ultra-marathon. It was an extraordinary undertaking.

Across those 41 miles lie 41 locks. At each one the boats needed to be lifted from the water and walked along the bank before being returned to the river further up.

When they first started to prepare at the Leicestershire Paddlesports and Outdoor Club, Paddle Plus, the Chair, Shaun Monkman, was highly amused by the ambition of the plan, particularly as the group had no previous experience in a kayak.

Nevertheless, he saw something in their undeterred determination and was quickly on the phone to his colleague Mark Beasley who helped organise training, guidance, support and all the necessary equipment.

Nathan Smith said, “it is fair to say that we wouldn’t have come close to completing the challenge without Paddle Plus”.

There was also on-the-day support from seven friends in a support vehicle and from members of Vipers RFC Colts who helped them navigate the many, many locks!

They chose to raise money for Hope Against Cancer because the charity is close to their hearts, helping one of their mothers through her battle with cancer. His father said “without Hope I wouldn’t have a wife, and my son and his sister wouldn’t have a mother and our 11 grandchildren wouldn’t have a great nana.”

It is not the first time the group has made incredible efforts to support Hope Against Cancer. In 2018 they walked 100 miles from Blady to Norfolk! They raised £3415 in the process.

Leading the expedition, Matt initially told Hope Against Cancer, “it is our hope our stubbornness to succeed will override our lack of kayaking experience!” In the end, it certainly did. They walked away without injury, just a lot of aches and pains, and a large amount of money for their chosen charity.

They have so far raised £8556, but not all donations have been gathered and they expect to have a final figure of over £9000.

This money will go towards cutting edge cancer research and treatment, helping families right here in Leicestershire and Rutland

If you would like to help them further this amount, the group’s Just Giving page is still available: Matt Salmon is fundraising for Hope Against Cancer (justgiving.com)

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Hope Through Business

Wed, 15 May 2024 11:31:59 GMT

On 12th October 2023 we held the latest meeting of Hope Against Cancer’s business club in the stunning setting of the Leicester Racecourse.

The club 'Hope through Business' was started in 2014 and over the years the generosity, kindness, and support of businesses in Leicestershire and Rutland has made a substantial impact on the research and treatment of cancer locally, and improved the outcomes for families all over our area.

This year we heard from guest speakers Alice Greaves and Alice's oncologist Professor Samreen Ahmed. Together they told the story of Alice's journey from both the poignant perspective of a 23-year-old diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, and from the brilliant consultant who led her care.

Alice, who, incredibly, was speaking to us just six weeks after a double mastectomy, has embarked on a mission to get both women and men to check their breasts and to 'know your normal' in terms of your own size and shape. This is done through her infectious personality in person and through the growing Instagram channel: ifanyonecanalicecan , where she shares a very personal experience that has connected with, and helped many.

Alongside her treatment Alice has done so much for breast cancer awareness and raised thousands for cancer research and yet, when introducing her oncologist, Professor Ahmed, Alice described her as the 'superwoman'. In return Professor Ahmed told us of how awed she was by Alice in a clear sign of the pairs’ immense mutual appreciation and respect.

Professor Ahmed reminded us of the importance of local charities like Hope who work so hard for the benefit of local people.

She went on to talk of the impact of cancer trials and research such as the ongoing development of blood tests which can track the DNA a cancer tumour sheds into the bloodstream.

Hope through Business is a major contributor to the research that has helped Alice and the ongoing work of Professor Ahmed, and this event was a wonderful collaboration of businesses who are directly helping to improving the lives of people in Leicestershire and Rutland, and beyond.

The Hope Cancer Trials centre is able to make a real difference locally and wouldn’t exist without all the greatly appreciated support shown to our local charity.

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Alaska to Argentina!

Wed, 15 May 2024 11:24:55 GMT

This year is Hope Against Cancer’s 20th anniversary and over that time we have had the honour of being supported by some truly remarkable people, doing some amazing things, but this dad and daughter adventure has to be one of the most ambitious yet!

Laura and David, a local dad and daughter team have set out to ride their motorbikes the entire length of the Americas, from Alaska to Argentina, a journey of 19’000 miles, all in the name of Hope.

They set out on 12th August for Alaska, are riding Royal Enfield “Himalayan” bikes, and expect the trip to take around nine months.

Along the way they are speaking to the local people and raising both money and awareness for the vital cancer research being conducted here in the Midlands, including how the discoveries made through the investigations funded by Hope, benefit cancer patients both here in Leicestershire and Rutland, and world-wide.

We have already started to see donations sent to our website in dollars.

David has decades of motorbike experience having previously toured Europe, Australia and East Africa, but Laura has only had a full motorbike licence for 18 months. In fact, the furthest Laura has ridden before setting out on this trip is 180 miles from Leicestershire to Wales!

Like many others, the family has been touched by cancer with Laura’s Mum having had lymphoma and both her grandmothers passing away due to bowel and breast cancer.

Laura says that “we chose the route because the full length was open to overland travel. It's a well-trodden path that goes through some beautiful countries. What could possibly go wrong?!”

You can follow the adventure on Instagram @lauraridesbikes and here on our website as we hear updates from this incredible team.

If you would like to donate to Laura, you can do so on the website or via their JustGiving Page

John Nellis

Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer

john@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Charitable Travel supports Hope Against Cancer

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 10:21:46 GMT

Here at Hope Against Cancer, we have been awarded a place as a beneficiary charity of Charitable Travel’s 2021 More to Explore, Malta Campaign.

As we are all aware, the last 18 months have been tough. Since lockdown has somewhat lifted and certain countries have been given the ‘green’ light to travel to, avid travellers and those who are in desperate need of a getaway, have been busy booking their next adventure.

Helping holiday-goers to book their well-deserved escape, is Charitable Travel, a registered not-for-private profit social enterprise and financially protected travel agency. Their purpose and mission is to help customers with their holiday plans and at the same time support the great work that UK-based charities, like Hope Against Cancer, deliver. When you book a holiday or cruise with Charitable Travel, they sacrifice travel agency commission so that the customer can make a free 5% donation to a charity of their choice.

Most recently, Charitable Travel gave a limited number of charities an extra opportunity to become a beneficiary of a campaign that is focused on encouraging customers to book a trip to the beautiful islands of Malta. As a beneficiary charity, we will receive a 5% donation when their supporters choose to book in for this destination – one that is currently on England’s green travel list.

This is a very exciting opportunity for us, as we were granted beneficiary status following a rigorous application reviewed by a judging panel. The donations that we receive from this campaign will fund cutting-edge research in across Leicestershire and make more clinical trial places available to local people. We constantly strive for a future where more people survive cancer by funding innovative research that leads to improved treatments and better outcomes for cancer patients.

What Charitable Travel are doing for Hope Against Cancer and charities alike is fantastic. It allows holiday-goers to donate to us, within what they are spending on a holiday. I and the Hope team feel very privileged that they chose us as a beneficiary and want to thank them for their continuous support.

Ally Ware, Marketing Manager at Charitable Travel has said: “Working with fantastic charities such as Hope Against Cancer to promote travel to beautiful destinations like Malta is a unique and brilliant opportunity to demonstrate our #TravelForGood ethos. By enabling supporters of Hope Against Cancer to donate 5% of their holiday cost, which is usually the largest sum a household will spend each year, to a charity they hold dear is an incredible way of generating donations which will change lives, while also supporting the travel industry as it re-emerges following the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The Maltese Islands have something for every traveller: cultural landmarks which dot the islands such as the UNESCO World Heritage Ggantija Temples; wonderous crystal clear waters for snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking; and vibrant nightlife, including year-round music festivals, wine bars and all-night clubbing followed by a lounge on the beach the next day. Prices to travel to green list destination Malta with Charitable Travel start from just £429pp.

If this sounds like the place for you, then you can book here: https://charitable.travel/malta/more-to-explore/

To read more information on Charitable Travel, visit: https://charitable.travel/

Chase The Sun for Hope

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Tue, 04 May 2021 14:27:05 GMT

On Saturday 19th June Rufus and his friends will be taking on the challenge of cycling over 200 miles in just 14 hours.

The 205-mile / 330-km cycling route for Chase the Sun runs from the Thames estuary through South London and passes Richmond Park. It then winds through to the West Country, passing the Vale of Pewsey, the Mendip Hills and Cheddar Gorge before finishing at Burnham on Sea. The route includes 3,000m of climbing (no easy feat on any day) and is likely to take in the region of 14hrs. The Sun rises in the East at 4.41am and sets in the West at 21.33.

They have set themselves this challenge and are raising money in memory of Rufus's Dad, Christopher Morgan, who very sadly passed away in January at only 64 years old, after a two-year battle with Leukaemia.

Chris absolutely loved sport and the great outdoors, and cycling was one of his favourite pastimes, so Rufus and his friends chose to take part in this challenge and are raising money for Hope Against Cancer, so that - in a small way – they can offer hope to those who are having to face challenges like the ones Chris so bravely and quietly tackled.

��Thank you from us all at Hope Against Cancer and you can help Rufus and friends achieve their fundraising goal by donating at https://www.justgiving.com/team/NewcastleOldBoys

The Hope Cancer Trials Centre

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 13:11:27 GMT

The Hope Cancer Trials Centre has re-opened at Leicester’s Hospitals, following a circa £1.5 million expansion. As you may know, this facility gives patients opportunities to trial new medicines to treat a range of cancers.

The Centre has been able to double its capacity thanks the fundraising we do here at Hope. This means more cancer trials can take place in Leicester and even more patients can benefit from access to potential treatments not currently available on the NHS.

The facility was first opened in 2012. Between then and now it has had over 29,000 patient attendances. It has approximately 100 different trials open and is recruiting patients each year, managed by 46 staff in the Osborne building at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Professor Anne Thomas is the clinical lead for the Hope Cancer Trials Centre at Leicester’s Hospitals. She said: “Essentially we had outgrown the space we had and were running the risk of turning down opportunities to bring more research programmes to Leicester.

“With the expansion complete we have more clinical space, including beds for overnight stays, so we can offer more patients the opportunity to participate in trials as a treatment option, increase our portfolio of trials, and provide a more streamlined service for both patients and staff.

“We are hugely grateful to Hope Against Cancer and its supporters for their tremendous fundraising efforts, particularly at such a challenging time for the charity sector. A big thank you is also due to our estates and facilities team at Leicester’s Hospitals, who managed the move, including shifting our service twice during the last three months while building works took place.”

Sheila Willson from Oadby is the first patient to access the expanded and refurbished Centre. Sheila, who is receiving treatment for myeloma, has been visiting the Hope Cancer Trials Centre since June 2017. She receives weekly treatment over a five-week cycle, which has continued throughout the whole pandemic. She said: “Hope’s expansion is lovely; it has more room, is very spacious and looks really nice. The Centre means a lot to me. I feel very comfortable there, and everyone is so nice and helpful.”

The Hope Cancer Trials Centre has an international reputation for recruiting patients to studies and is often selected by pharmaceutical companies as a preferred site for testing the most advanced treatments in the world. The expansion will mean that ‘early phase’ cancer trials can go from strength to strength in Leicester. Cancer treatments are rapidly changing and the Centre is currently focused on developing research using ‘bio-specifics’, a new generation of treatments that – unlike traditional chemotherapy - target cancer while leaving other cells in the body with little or no damage.

Our charity is delighted that we have been able to raise the funds needed to contribute to such an amazing transformation of new facilities. The Hope family of supporters, including institutions, local businesses and loyal individual donors have been fantastic in rising to the challenge of getting this done. In such unprecedented times, our focus now needs to be on continuing fundraising to ensure we are able to support ongoing research locally, that will help the new Hope Cancer Trials Centre to uncover potential new drugs and treatments.

Fun, fundraising and thriving: 2020 really was a year of Hope!

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 12:01:51 GMT

Here at Hope Against Cancer, we have a very clear ambition – to prolong the lives of those living with Cancer in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

2020 was, without question, one of the most challenging years for many organisations but, despite this, we were still able to boast some amazing achievements and we are looking forward to continuing this success in 2021.

Raising close to £1.5 million allowed an impressive transformation and expansion of the recently renamed Hope Cancer Trials Centre at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, allowing the staff and specialists there to double their previous treatment capacity.

The facility has been able to double its capacity thanks to the fundraising of Hope supporters and Business Club members, meaning more cancer trials can take place in Leicester and even more patients can benefit from access to potential treatments not currently available on the NHS.

With the expansion complete there is more clinical space, including beds for overnight stays, so the Centre can offer more patients the opportunity to participate in trials as a treatment option, increase our portfolio of trials, and provide a more streamlined service for both patients and staff.

The Hope Trials Centre has earned an international reputation for recruiting patients to cancer studies and is fast becoming the ‘go-to’ site for the pharmaceutical companies who want to test some of the most advanced treatments in the world.

Throughout 2020 the pandemic presented us with some huge fundraising challenges, but we were determined not to stop funding our research. The entire team ploughed on with confidence and never lost sight of our ambitions and goals. Our supporters and volunteers have been outstanding, and I’m proud and honoured to be part of this community. Charities like Hope need support more than ever before so it’s vital that we don’t stop our efforts now

Hope’s community of supporters certainly had many fabulously successful and innovative fundraising ideas at a time when charities generally were feeling the strain. During the festive period alone, there were Santa fun runs, YouTube Christmas concerts, winter garden events – and even the launch of a Christmas charity single with a bit of help from Leicester’s own ‘Return of the Mac’ singer, Mark Morrison!

The Hope Through Business Club saw a plethora of local businesses organising and hosting events including quiz nights, curry nights, suits & vinyl nights, ‘jolly nights in’ at Steamin’ Billy pubs across the region, dress down days, marathon runs… an almost inexhaustible list of ways to ensure that we are seeing funds raised to continue research into new treatments to extend lives.

Whilst we can reflect proudly on our achievements in 2020, it’s now very much full steam ahead again. We already have a mix of popular and unique events in the calendar for 2021. There’s a Golf Day at Luffenham Heath, a Wild Atlantic cycle tour to name a few, with many other events in the pipeline – COVID permitting.

For more information on The Hope Cancer Trials Centre or any of the upcoming events which we have planned in 2021 visit our events page

It's Christmas and Santa's on his way!

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 11:35:59 GMT

Here at Hope Against Cancer, we are getting a festive boost to our fundraising in what are unprecedently difficult times for local charities thanks to BHIB Insurance Brokers and local R&B legend Mark Morrison – who have written, produced and recorded a Christmas single – with all proceeds coming to Hope.

The musical collaboration features the talents of 10 local businesses coming together on a Christmas single titled ‘It’s Christmas (Santa’s on his way)’ which was released on 2nd December.

With the involvement of the original songwriters Martin Stack, Mark Gamble and local R&B superstar Mark Morrison, the single has certainly had an injection of celebrity sparkle. In fact, Mark Morrison perhaps best known for his international hit ‘Return of the Mack’ – even generously produced the single at his own Leicester studio.

BHIB colleagues Tommy Reid and Sam Halden persuaded fellow members of their business networking group to warm up their vocal chords and feature on the heart-warming Christmas song. Joining them, are: Byron Dixon, OBE of Microfresh Limited , Pete Simpson of MME Limited , Gurbinder Singh of BGS Accountants , Gavin Dilkes MD of Synergy Personnel Limited , Jo Peters of JSP Virtual Limited , Satwinder Sidhu of Paradigm Wills Limited , Steph Beeston-Clarke – of Beeston-Clarke Management Solutions , Martin Stack of DJ Skillmaster, and of course, our very own Tracey Hallam.

Tommy has long been a supporter of Hope and personally appreciates the value of the work they do, and has said:

“I really wanted to do this for Hope Against Cancer. Due to excellent research and improving treatments my mum thankfully beat cancer, so it is due to them that I have her here today. However, I know that a lot of people are not as lucky, so I want to try and help fund this cutting-edge cancer research – and hopefully contribute to saving someone’s life! I had so much fun creating this charity single and it’s something I will certainly remember for years to come.”

It’s hoped that downloads and streams of the track will allow us to raise a contribution towards the remaining £100,000 of our ‘ Hope for Life ’ campaign, and Tommy's also set up a JustGiving page where you can donate.

The single’s accompanying video is due to be filmed on 7th December, but the song’s fund-raising reach won’t end there. Mark Morrison has already made plans to have the tune released every Christmas for the next five years with a new artist featuring every time, so this really is a gift that will just keep giving!

We can hardly find the words to express how delighted we are with the song and how grateful we are to BHIB and their networking colleagues for getting this off the ground. And of course, Mark Morrison, who has catapulted the whole venture to another level completely!

This is just the latest illustration of how the Leicestershire business community comes together to support local charities like ours – and allows us to continue the ground-breaking work we fund. And, of course, it has highlighted just some of the truly talented people we have right here in our county!

Whilst the song is ultimately a bit of fund-raising fun, it’s also very relevant. The lyrics are all about having hope at Christmas and this year that’s perhaps something we all need more than ever.

So, what are you waiting for? Download today the single today from iTunes and Google Play or to stream on Spotify and Deezer: http://hyperurl.co/414hgd

More details on BHIB Insurance can be found via https://www.bhibinsurance.co.uk/

Our new Hope Ambassador - Lucy van der Haar!

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 15:27:34 GMT

As many of you might know, Lucy is a local cycling legend who comes from South Leicestershire. Lucy has many accolades under her belt including being the two-time UCI Junior Road World Champion. Lucy now lives in the Netherlands with her husband and is still racing professionally.

We are excited to say Lucy will be assisting our Tour de Hope cyclists by giving advice and tips throughout their training before our next epic event in September 2021. After speaking with Lucy earlier in the month, she was able to pass along some advice for the team!

Don’t underestimate the importance of stretching:

Before and after going on your bike, make sure your body is prepared for whatever exercise you are going to give it. While cycling is a great low-impact activity, it’s also extremely repetitive and can often lead to a limited range of motion. To combat tightness and pain, cyclists need to maintain a consistent stretching routine that focuses on the muscle groups that contract concentrically during pedalling and can limit the mobility of your joints.

Fuelling your body properly:

It can be easy to just get all the gels and chews that the professionals are eating but it’s important to know what works for you and your body. Try to test out what you are eating before a big race to see how you fare and then you will have one less thing to worry about when the big day comes!

Practise your distance:

If you know how far you need to go for your event, take advantage of that knowledge and work your way up to that distance. Understandably, not everyone has hours to dedicate to cycling every week but if you know you have 80 miles of terrain you need to cover a day, perhaps try to do 20 one week then 40 and so on. Consistency is key!

We are thrilled to have Lucy as our ambassador and look forward to all the other information we will be able to obtain from her! If you would like information on how to become an ambassador, contact the Hope team here.

We still need to raise the final hundred thousand pounds to reach our £1.5 million mark to double the space and capacity of The Hope Clinical Trials Facility and need YOUR help to get there! Donate to the appeal here.

If you would like more information on the appeal, click here . If you would like to donate to the appeal, click here .

Hope Funds New Researcher

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 10:34:08 GMT

Thanks to the amazing supporters of HOPE, we are pleased to be able to fund another HOPE Researcher, Claire Smith. Claire will be joining as the HOPE Database and Tissue Banking Assistant. A tissue banking assistant will play the vital role of abstraction, management, analysis and reporting of relevant patient information (including patient outcomes) related to Cancer Research Biobank requests and other ethically approved cancer research projects.

Claire is currently working with Dr John Le Quesne and has developed specialist skills during her time with him, with experience in designing research databases using bespoke software in addition to processing archival material in the area of lung cancer. She is one of only a few non-NHS people trusted to have unrestricted access to pathology archive stores.

The Leicester Cancer Research Centre biobank is a very valuable resource which supports early career researchers right through to senior academics. Leicester Hospitals consider themselves privileged to receive samples from patients who wish to advance cancer research. Samples from patients cover a wide range of tumour types. Currently, they are banking for several projects across the following types; breast, lung, upper gastrointestinal, colorectal, melanoma and neuroendocrine. Claire’s role will be pivotal in supporting the biobank, particularly overseeing sample management.

Claire is a big fan of the outdoors and has completed a Macmillan “Mighty Hike” in 2018, walking over 26 miles in the Peak District to raise vital funds for cancer care. We are thrilled to welcome Claire and believe she will make a great ambassador for HOPE.

We are still raising money through our appeal for the exciting extension to The Hope Clinical Trials Facility! If you would like more information on the appeal, click here . If you would like to donate to the appeal, click here .

HOPE Clinical Trials Facility - the story so far ...

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 12:36:24 GMT

In late 2019, planning works started to enable the expansion of the HOPE Clinical Trials Facility into the University’s Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. Physical demolition started in 2020 and works are close to completion.

The journey starts now showing how the space was transformed from an old and disused research laboratory to office accommodation.

Transforming from this:

To this:

From research laboratory to new main office. Chosen finishes will provide a light, bright but practical and modern working environment.

Furniture will complement the design further with tables finished in a light wood colour and operators chairs bringing a ‘pop’ of colour in teal fabric to align with Hope Against Cancer branding.

A small microscope facility has been transformed into a bright and modern kitchen area for staff to use.

As the new facility will host around 30 staff, additional hot-desking space was required. Existing offices next to the laboratory were gutted and developed to provide additional capacity.

Transforming from this:

To this:

Clinical trials generate lots of important records and paperwork, most of which are patient notes and site files. A small office has been transformed into a dedicated storage facility with state of the art roller racking. This is taller and deeper than previous racking systems, allowing more patient notes to be held.  What a transformation!

You can help beat cancer by supporting our Hope For Life Appeal

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 09:33:33 GMT

Hope Against Cancer is doubling the size of our Clinical Trials Facility at Leicester’s Hospitals - and are calling upon the people of Leicestershire and Rutland to help them do it.

Funding research is the only way to beat cancer, and we are at the forefront of giving people a better quality of life and a vastly higher chance of surviving the disease. The Hope for Life Appeal is well under way and now is your chance to be part of a local movement against cancer - if you don’t want to miss out, you need to get involved.

Our Hope For Life Appeal is aiming to raise over £1.5 million to totally redevelop and extend the Hope Clinical Trials Facility. Every year, around 5,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Leicestershire. Because of organisations like ours, of this 5,000, more people than ever are surviving. Hope For Life is the next step in making sure the number of people surviving cancer continues to rise.

We would like to thank a number of very generous donors across the Leicestershire and Rutland community, which have already raised an impressive £1 million towards the £1.5 million goal. We reached the million-pound mark recently with help from The Randal Charitable Foundation, following a generous donation of £101,000. The Loughborough based Foundation has a clear, unwavering vision that is to save lives, help the socially disadvantaged and improve the quality of life for those in need in the UK and around the world.

Opened in 2012, The Hope Clinical Trials Facility is one of the country’s leading centres for cancer trials in the last few years. Professor Anne Thomas, clinical lead for The Hope Clinical Trials Facility at Leicester’s Hospitals, and Professor of Oncology at the University of Leicester, said: “We’re really grateful to Hope Against Cancer for its continued support of the Facility and our research. It is the success of the centre that has driven demand - and we’ve reached our full capacity as a result. Doubling the space at the Facility will mean we can offer many more patients further opportunities to take part in clinical trials, testing potential new drugs and treatments with the aim to extend lives, improve quality of life and, ultimately, improve outcomes for patients living with cancer today and in the future.”

Despite the current challenges we are all facing due to COVID-19, we are making great headway with Phase 1, which is happening over at the University of Leicester’s Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, located at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. It is here that much of the life-saving research takes place for our charity.

The objective for this space is to increase its capacity and to bring it to an excellent standard and environment conducive to the researchers and the work which takes place here.

All main construction for Phase 1 has now been completed. Phase 2 will happen at The Clinical Trials Facility and we are being guided by the government as to when they can commence.

Research has shown that having clinical research in a hospital providing cancer treatment improves the overall standard of care for patients receiving treatment both in and out of clinical trials. This means a new facility could have a wider impact on all patients being treated for cancer across the system.

We are calling on people to start fundraising and help them achieve their fundraising target. In the past, local people have organised events, sporting challenges, competitions, bake sales, bike rides and a host of other activities to generate cash for the charity’s life-saving work. It is of course challenging time but the charity have been truly impressed at the innovative way in which their supporters have continued to fundraise.

Our Chief Executive, Nigel Rose, since 2013, is full of confidence that the people of our counties will be able to raise the remaining £500,000: “If there’s one area of the UK that can raise the money the Hope For Life Appeal is asking for, it’s the communities in Leicestershire and Rutland. Many people’s lives are affected by cancer, and it’s a testament to them that Hope is what it is today. The Hope For Life Appeal is the next step in our journey.”

The money raised by our supporters will not only go towards doubling the capacity of the Clinical Trials Facility, but to purchasing new equipment and will be transformational for local cancer research in the future.

Historically, local citizens have always risen to the challenge to ensure our charity delivers its vital research . If you’ve been moved by our ambition and need to get this done for the local cancer patients, you can add your fundraising power to The Hope For Life Appeal by visiting our social media pages here: Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn or go to our donate page: https://www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk/hope-appeal-donation

Tour De Hope - My Journey Part One

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 14:09:41 GMT

I am a firm believer in never asking anyone to do something that you are not prepared to do yourself, and I encourage others to set themselves the very highest challenge when fundraising so they will get the support and buy-in from friends and family.

After being at Hope for three years I have watched two of our biennial cycle rides, a firm favorite in Hope’s event calendar, I have to say that being a non-cyclist, I thought they were all crazy cycling hundreds of miles a day - the chaffing and the saddle soreness amongst other injuries and ailments! After seeing them all tackle and achieve the 2,500 Furlongs back in 2019 I said to our office manager, “Hey Barb, I think I will do it next time!” She has held me to it and this is where my journey begins.

I wanted to blog/vlog my journey for myself, because when I say this is a challenge. When I have the tough days and feel like giving up I want to read back through and see how far I have come. I want to share my journey with others I hope to inspire and get them to think; “If she can do it, so can I!”. I hear so many people say, “I can’t do that, it’s too far. I haven’t time to train”. Sometimes you just have to crack on with it and embrace the journey.

I have to say I don’t have a great relationship with cycling. The history would tell my future self not to do it. I can remember I must have been about five years old when my Dad said on a lovely spring day that today I was going to learn how to ride a bike! I was happy on my trike albeit my knees were bruised from hitting the handle bars. Out from the garage came my sister’s old bike, dusty and rusty to say the least but it had been well loved by both sisters, 10 and 12 years older than me. After a few weekends I got my balance and I rode it. I didn’t really like it and never ventured from our drive on it. I must have been around eight or nine, when you start to want your independence and when in school holidays, I went to the childminders where all the other kids had bikes and went to the shop to buy sweets. I wanted to go too, so I nagged my Mum for a new bike. She took me to the bike shop and bought me my first brand new bike, a Raleigh Bluebell, with a little basket. I decorated it with streamers and “spokey-dokies” and the free reflectors that you got in the Frosties cereal packets in the 80’s. I had a great summer going to the shop with my friends, until late August when I went on a ride round the block with my friends and some older boys ridiculed my bike and chased me on it. Not being a competent or confident rider, they caught up with me and pushed me off my bike, picked it up and threw it in the road. After they went I got my bike and pushed it home, feeling so sad that they had done that to my bike after my Mum had spent a lot of money on it. But I was certain I wasn’t going to ride that bike again…... And I didn’t.

I didn’t miss my bike. I only rode it to keep in with my peers. Then in my last year at primary school we had the cycling proficiency tests. Everyone was so excited. I put my name down to do it and I went home and again nagged my Mum for a pink Raleigh Prima (that is what all the cool kids had). My Mum reluctantly got me one on the proviso that I would actually ride it. “Of course, Mum. When I pass, I can go on roads and everything!” My poor parents bought in to my enthusiasm. I got the bike and it felt huge. The wheels were massive and it had GEARS!!? No way was I using gears, so I practised riding a straight and even line up and down the cul- de- sac where I lived. I didn’t ride my bike into school. I pushed it. I wasn’t competent or confident to ride it and I liked getting the adoring looks that this cool bike drew from my friends. The test then came ……. I failed, I hit every cone and fell off numerous times. Then the worst part happened. I braked too sharply and went head-first over my handlebars. The playground was filled with laughter at my plight and I had to go home and tell my Mum I'd failed and wasted her money. That Raleigh Prima went in the garage gathering dust next to my Raleigh Bluebell.

So, having not ridden a bike in 30 years, today’s the day I see if I still have balance, I am not very well coordinated and I drive an automatic car as I could never master gears. So today, Friday 8th May 2020, I am taking my husband’s mountain bike to the sports field to see if I can ride, before I go and buy a road bike more suited to this challenge. So what is the challenge? Details are yet to be confirmed but we are looking to do up to 100 miles a day over four days cycling around the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. Organised by and raising vital funds for Hope Against Cancer, to fund world-class cutting-edge cancer research here in Leicestershire.

I have now returned home – with no injuries and with the help of Simon from “Fix My Bike”, my husband has purchased a road bike for me that I am going to collect tomorrow. Let the journey begin!

Saturday 9th May – Bike collected! They adjusted the seat in the shop and said that I was to go for a little ride so they could see if it’s right, I instantly felt sick! I got on the bike and I rode it but soon realised my hands were in the wrong position to brake and I was screaming, “Ian help! How do I stop?”. I eventually stopped by slowly reducing speed by using my feet. When I returned home I went to an empty car park to get more of a feel for the bike. I began turning and trying to use my brakes, but it all feels alien to me. Hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day and as my Mum always said, practice makes perfect.

May 25, 2020 – So, it is just over two weeks since I learnt to ride my bike. My next challenge was to tackle roads. It has to be said I feel much safer when I am encased in a metal car! I have built up to a staggering seven miles. I am struggling with gears, hills and that saddle. I am gripping my brakes so tight that my hands feel very bruised. Whilst I have to remind myself that I have come an awful long way, I am so daunted at just how far I have to go!

Some much needed fun......

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:24:16 GMT

Dear Friends of Hope

We want to help cure the lockdown boredom and isolation blues! We’ve created some fun activities that you can get your friends and family involved in over video calls because we know how important it is to stay connected right now!

All we ask is that you make a small donation to us to help us to fund vital and life-saving cancer research in our local Leicester NHS Trust Hospitals.

As you know many of our annual fundraising events have been cancelled for the foreseeable future, so your donations are #NeverMoreNeeded than what they are right now!

To help us continue our fantastic work please text FORHOPE 5 to 70470 to make a £5 donation!

Our first activity that we hope you enjoy is a virtual Quiz! You can download it here!

Keep your eyes peeled for more activities coming soon!

Coronavirus

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 12:19:38 GMT

Dear friend of Hope

Among the many words I’ve seen describing these times, they include those such as, “challenging, uncertain, turbulent, unprecedented”, and we perhaps should include “reflective”. Reflective of what’s important and what is less so!

These are without doubt unprecedented times; there is no textbook, guidance or flowchart to guide us through this. As a small charity, we are understandably concerned about the impact of this unfolding crisis – on our beneficiaries, our staff and volunteers..

There are almost 180,000 registered charities in the UK and thousands of not-for-profit organisations. Like them, we with your support, will step up to the challenge of providing continued support and assistance to those in great need, even when our own organisations are at risk.

With 80% of registered charities in the UK having an annual turnover of less than £200K, small charities are the very foundations of the sector. It is our mission to make sure we continue to do what’s important to Hope Against Cancer - to be able to fund life-saving cancer research right here in Leicester, so that a particularly vulnerable group of people at this time, continue to receive the very best treatment and therapies that research is continually uncovering.

The public are retrenching in fear, panic-buying, and today we do not have the “Blitz Spirit” we’re told!

Let’s reflect that in wartime Britain, a period of undoubted selflessness and heroism, at the same time, police officers had to be posted outside bombed properties in major cities to stop looters. We should not fall into the trap of doing ourselves down today. Community and charitable spirit are abundant.

Only yesterday I heard a story about a gin distillery in the West Country who were using their considerable skill working with alcohol to make hand-sanitising gel and giving it out free if people brought their own small bottles to fill and correspondingly gave a donation to a Bristol children’s charity. Not a commercial move to exploit a crisis, but a great corporate/charity partnership. Joint branded sticky labels were produced and excellent PR. If there are any local spirit distillers out there who want to innovatively support us, why not rise to that challenge?? (If anyone reading this knows of one, please pass this on to them)!

With your help, when this crisis is over we’ll still be here providing support to local cancer patients the only way we know how, through funding world class research. Even in these uncertain times, we remain tirelessly committed to beating cancer. Undoubtedly, this crisis will have an economic impact on our fundraising and if you would like to enable us to continue our research, please continue to support us. We receive no government support for our research, so we are entirely reliant on the generosity and loyal support of our corporate partners and generous community groups and individuals to support our work.

If you’re looking for ways to support us, visit our donate page: www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk/ donate

We need our community to be here for us now more than ever and would like thank you in advance for your continued kindness and generosity.

And to begin where I started reflecting, let’s reflect on a favourite quote: "It will all be OK in the end, and if it isn’t OK, it’s probably not the end!"

Wishing you all retention of health.

Nigel

Hope Chief Executive

Here’s to 2019 - a great year for Hope

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 12:28:11 GMT

What a year 2019 was for Hope! During the year we saw some amazing efforts from our fundraisers, some inspiring actions from our volunteers and some revolutionary studies from our researchers. 2020 - you’ve got a lot to live up to! Here’s what went down in the final year of the 20-teens:

We welcomed Vicki to the team

In April, Vicki Standing joined the Hope team as our Community Fundraiser! Vicki has made a huge impact with her natural ability to help and inspire communities arrange fundraising events. Her main focus so far has been community groups, clubs and schools, motivating the fundraisers of the next generation!

A year of breakthroughs

2019 saw Hope-funded researchers make much progress in the search for better cancer treatments and prevention methods. Some of the highlights include:

Chemotherapy-free Leukaemia treatment - a study showed that patients reacted positively to new treatments for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia. This treatment means that patients may not have to undergo invasive chemotherapy to beat the disease. Find out more about the discovery here .
Radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer – A study that included part-funding from Hope suggested that timing radiotherapy differently throughout treatment may lead to lower overall toxicity and fewer potential side-effects. Again, you can read about this ground-breaking research here .

Chris Trethewey swam the Channel

Hope-funded researcher and fundraiser, Chris, pulled on his swimmers and made his way across 21 miles of near-freezing seawater - all in aid of Hope! He raised over £10,000 for his efforts, which took place on the 12th of June last year. It might have been the middle of summer, but the water was a chilly 15° celsius! Check out exactly how Chris did it in our blog from 2019 .

Fundraisers cycle 2,500 Furlongs

In September, 40 cyclists began the 340-mile trip around the north of England in aid of Hope! Our biennial Tour De Hope started and finished this year at Leicester Racecourse. The cyclist’s route took in the Yorkshire Moors as our fundraisers went through some of England’s most famous racecourses - Doncaster, York itself and Market Rasen. The event has now raised over £60,000 - an incredible achievement! Find out more here .

Escape The Wild 2019

Escape The Wild - three words that strike fear into the heart of even the most intrepid explorers. Also, three words that mean you’re spending four days in the wilderness raising money for Hope. In 2019, Tracey Hallam took our adventurers to the Lake District for three nights of action, activities and all-round fun. We run this event every year, this year with the name ‘Survive The Wild’, you can find out more here .

2019 was an amazing year for Hope and we cannot thank all of our supporters enough - but 2020 is going to be even better. We are soon to launch our Hope For Life Appeal, aiming to raise funds that will mean doubling the size of the Hope Clinical Trials Facility. The Facility already does great work, but with double the bed-space and double the equipment, they’ll be able to take the fight to cancer to a new level. We’re looking for as many fundraisers a possible to raise the £1.5million we need - if you want to be one of those fundraisers, get involved now .

An Evening of Opera

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 11:47:56 GMT

In December over £10,000 was raised at our sold-out night of Opera

On Thursday 6th December, over £10,000 was raised for Hope Against Cancer at our sold-out night of Opera. Taking place at the renowned Jewellers, Lumbers of Leicester, the evening featured British-Ukrainian mezzo-soprano Rozanna Madylus.

Rozanna Madylus has been singing for over a decade. After studying at the Royal Academy of Music, she became a member of the Royal Academy Opera and Academy Song Circle. A multi-award winner, Ms Madylus repertoire covers opera staples such as The Magic Flute , Rigoletto and The Barber of Seville . Other singers featured on the night included soprano Julia Sitkovetsky, baritone Ross Ramgobin and tenor Alexander Aldren.

2019’s opera offering was a huge success. On top of the fantastic amount of money raised, it was an evening for the Leicestershire community to come together in support of a great cause. Various companies sponsored different parts of the night. Law firm Glynis Wright & Co were the headline sponsors, with property consultancy Pick Everard sponsoring the evening’s drinks. Design agency Juice Creative supported the event through sponsoring print. Other sponsors of the night included: 360 Autoleasing, Kazzoo IT, Virtual Assistant, Tax Assist, Berkeley Estates, Signs Express, Hanlon Hospitality, Utility Warehouse and PRP.

Our CEO Nigel Rose said: “I’m so incredibly proud of the Leicestershire community - all Hope supporters in their own right - for coming together and making this a night to remember. It’s been a marvellous evening of culture and celebration, which has raised an extraordinary amount of money for Hope Against Cancer.”

We are Leicestershire and Rutland’s cancer research charity, raising money to support cutting-edge research in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Got an event you’d like to run in aid of Hope? Want to help out, donate or volunteer? To find out more about what we do and how you can support us, follow this link: https://www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk/how-can-i-help

David's Story

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 11:28:28 GMT

We want to share with our supporters just how vital the money you raise is to Hope, and how it really makes a difference to the lives of cancer patients.

The vital importance of trialling potential new treatments

We want to share with our supporters just how vital the money you raise is to Hope, and how it really makes a difference to the lives of cancer patients. Meet David Thornton, who has been on a clinical trial with Hope for seven years. At the point that David was referred to the Hope Clinical Trials Facility, all treatments had been exhausted and David was unsure of what the future held for him. Seven years later, David is still enjoying time with his loved ones, and is also contributing to a study that could potentially save lives of future cancer patients. Read on for David’s journey, from his diagnosis, through to his experience at the Hope Clinical Trials Facility…

In 2008 David agreed to play a round of golf with his friend. As they made their way around the golf course, he casually voiced some mild health issues he’d recently been experiencing. Concerned, his friend urged him to visit his local GP.

A brief visit to the doctor saw David reassured that his symptoms were generic and nothing to be concerned about. However, as time went on with no sign of improvement, David couldn’t shake off the nagging suspicion something wasn’t right. A further two appointments later and David received a call from his GP to discuss his recent blood test results. An infection had been detected. David was referred to Haematology in Grantham for further investigation where the devastating news was broken to him. He had Myeloma, a type of bone-marrow cancer.

After what felt like months of slow action and reassurance, everything accelerated quickly that day. David was sent to Boston for a bone marrow biopsy then started on CTD Chemotherapy , which was supposed to be for seven months, however after a few weeks his case was referred to Nottingham. After a fortnight on CTD the decision to stop treatment was made, and David was placed on a “watch and wait” list as they continued monitoring the progress of the Myeloma.

The news of David’s health was a shock to his family, but they rallied around him to show their support. David explained that it was because of them he managed to ‘stay positive and make the most out of things’. David who is married, is also a proud father and grandfather to two grandchildren who were all devastated. His next chapter was just about to begin and he wasn’t ready for this to be his last. Feeling powerless, David tried researching Myeloma himself to try and gain a better understanding of what to expect, but this only made matters worse and the small glimmer of hope vanished.

David was then advised that his case had been reviewed by a team of consultants for his next steps. However, David was not comfortable for a decision to be made about his next steps without any consultants physically seeing him and discussing options with him, and in person.

It was at this stage that David was referred to Leicester Royal Infirmary - two years after his initial diagnosis. David was swiftly introduced to his new consultant and they talked through his next steps together, which was to have a stem cell procedure and register under the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

David underwent a procedure called Metholan which wiped out his immune system in the hope of returning his stem cells. With hope dwindling, the opportunity of a Clinical Trial was offered. David advised: ‘I was happy to give anything a go, as the stem cell had not lasted as long as it could have so this really was the only option’.

In October 2012 David started his trial at the Hope Facility at Leicester Royal Infirmary and attended every other week for his treatment.

David is now on his 7th year on the trial with 26 visits a year, and on cycle 91, with each cycle being 28 days. In the last seven years David has attended 180 treatment visits.

To understand from David’s perspective what it means to have this facility so local to him, he said, ‘I’d be lost without it, it was my last chance and to be offered this meant a lot, not only to me but to my family too - the Hope Team have been fantastic!’

When initially contacted to ask if he would be willing to share his incredible story and journey, David jumped at the opportunity. When asked whether or not someone going through a similar experience as him should take the opportunity of a clinical trial, he responded: ‘Go for it, you have nothing to lose and you could not only change your situation, but the lives of others in the future!’.

Helen's story

support@eazi-sites.com (Eazi Business) — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 10:25:32 GMT

We would like to share with you a story from an incredible Hope supporter, Helen Matthews, who fundraises for Hope in memory of her husband David.

David took part in a trial at the Hope Clinical Trials Facility after all other treatment options had been exhausted. Two years after treatment, David was living a near normal life and was even able to enjoy a holiday with his wife Helen abroad. Sadly, David lost his life from an un-expected heart attack in September 2018.

Helen supports Hope in many ways in memory of David. Here she shares with us this journey and the huge impact that the funding we receive makes on people like David.

‘I’ve been raising money for Hope Against Cancer in memory of David Matthews, my wonderful husband, who passed away in September 2018 after battling Wald Enstrom’s Lymphoma, a blood cancer, for nine years.

David was best known for his many years as a Rugby Union Referee and his passion for Lancashire cricket, rugby league and golf. A PE School Master in St Helens for forty years, he was diagnosed soon after he retired.

Despite receiving great care at The Liverpool Royal Haematology department, by 2015, all treatment options were exhausted and David was gravely ill. His consultant learned a Targeted Therapy drug trial was being run at Leicester Royal Infirmary in the Hope Clinical Trials Facility and after tests, David was accepted onto the trial.

Amazingly there was a small improvement in his blood within a week and he experienced practically no side-effects. There continued to be ups and downs, which is common when treating cancer but there was a gradual improvement in his condition. Although the cancer never went away, the treatment continued to chip away at the condition and by the end of 2017 he was living a near normal life. He was back to the funny, loving man I married. We felt very blessed to be given another opportunity at life and were able to take our first holiday abroad in seven years, the following summer.

Sadly, completely out of the blue, coming home from a rugby match, David suffered a heart attack and despite the best efforts of the medics he didn’t make it.

The Hope Clinical Trials Facility was opened in 2012 by Hope Against Cancer, a local cancer research charity to further its research aims. Quite simply it saved David’s life and he received the most wonderful care from the dedicated team of doctors and nurses. The charity is raising funds to expand the Facility to allow more patients to benefit from experimental drugs and I know David would wholeheartedly approve.

The fundraising was actually a very pleasant way to celebrate David’s life and gave me a purpose. With my sister’s support, we held Afternoon Teas, at home, with our various groups of friends. There was lots of laughter and many happy memories. A fitting tribute to a special person.’

We would like to thank Helen for sharing David’s story with us and for continually supporting Hope and spreading the message about the incredible work we do. David not only had a better quality of life and extra time to enjoy with his loved ones from partaking in the trial, but has contributed to research that could potentially save the future lives of others.

hope-against-cancer-new-site

Introducing Paul, the new Chief Executive of Hope Against Cancer

I am profoundly honoured to lead Hope Against Cancer. My career has been dedicated to creating environments where people feel valued and valuable, and I intend to bring that same energy to this vital cause

Why We Do What We Do - Part IX

Derek is not a person who usually goes to the doctors, but he knew that the lump on his neck wasn’t going down, and that wasn’t right.

Tennis star Katie Boulter becomes a HOPE Patron

"To become a Patron of my local cancer research charity is a very special opportunity”

Fundraise and win prizes!

Hope Against Cancer partners with JispWin to launch innovative prize-led fundraising initiative

Hope Against Cancer announces departure of CEO, Nigel Rose

Nigel said, “My small team, our volunteers and wonderful supporters can be extremely proud of what they and HOPE have achieved over the years."

﻿

Hope funded research

The development of the liquid biopsy, a technique that has the potential to revolutionize treatment for cancer and much more.

Why We Do What We Do - Part VIII

Teachers often find themselves becoming ill during the natural course of their day to day, but sepsis and recurring bouts of pneumonia were well beyond the norm.

Supporter Spotlight: Mark Evans and Conversations With Impact

Mark Evans is a coach and a therapist who takes a different approach to his business partnership and fundraising for HOPE.

Why We Do What We Do - Part VII

What followed was a journey of family, fundraising and seeking positivity during what Michael and Claire modestly call ‘a tough time’

Meet the researcher - Dr Nikila Patil

Improving equity of access to clinical trials.

Why We Do What We Do - Part VI

It was “such a friendly and reassuring place to be when faced with unfamiliar circumstances.”

Alice's cycle challenge raises over £100,000 for Hope Against Cancer

Alice said, “the day was spectacular. I just want to thank everyone who has supported, sponsored, donated and rode with us.”

Sharing Hope Against Cancer

Hidden away in the heart of England there is a small charity called Hope Against Cancer that is helping to change lives around the world.

Meet the Hope Nurses

When asked about a typical day they said ‘unpredictable’ almost in unison!

Why We Do What We Do - Part V

The car journey to find her results felt like waiting for sentencing after a trial. The heavy wondering that questioned what life would be like after today.

Rick Moore steps down as Chair of the HOPE Trustee Board and becomes the President of the Charity

We recently sat down with Rick to discuss his life and his time as Chair at Hope Against Cancer.

Supporter Spotlight: Simon and FMB Cycles

Who can really put a price on a cyclist’s peace of mind as they tackle the Alps thousands of miles away from home?

Why We Do What We Do - Part IV

The team at the Centre were always on hand and Michael said that they do “amazing work. They are so knowledgeable and supportive, always willing to go the extra mile to make me feel welcome and comfortable.”

Supporter Spotlight: Bharat Patel

His adventurous early childhood meant that by the age of eight he had lived on three continents!

Why We Do What We Do - Part III

"I wanted to stay Emma, I wanted to stay myself, to feel as much myself as I could."

Supporter Spotlight: North Kilworth Wharf

An interview with John Edgar from North Kilworth Wharf

Why We Do What We Do - Part II

I had mentally prepared myself - I am just the type to think, ‘ok - this is what I have to do, so let’s get started’.

Why We Do What We Do

“It is the biggest emotional rollercoaster I’ve ever been on." ﻿

Award winning Alice!

Hope Ambassador Alice Greaves wins the Furnley House Community Champions Award for Fundraiser of the Year

Ellena and Ian's Story

Ian generously donates to HOPE and wanted to share their story with us .

HOPE runners triumph in the London Big Half!

‘If Alice Can, Anyone Can’ - Cycling 125 miles for local cancer research.

An Interview with Dorothy - Hope's longest serving volunteer

We recently sat down with Hope’s longest serving volunteer Dorothy Tomlinson to talk a little bit about her time with the charity.

Ian’s Story

Leicester Fireworks festival supports Hope Against Cancer

8 remarkable lads kayak 41 miles on the River Soar to raise money for Hope Against Cancer

Hope Through Business

Alaska to Argentina!

Charitable Travel supports Hope Against Cancer

Chase The Sun for Hope

The Hope Cancer Trials Centre

Fun, fundraising and thriving: 2020 really was a year of Hope!

It's Christmas and Santa's on his way!

Our new Hope Ambassador - Lucy van der Haar!

Hope Funds New Researcher

HOPE Clinical Trials Facility - the story so far ...

You can help beat cancer by supporting our Hope For Life Appeal

Tour De Hope - My Journey Part One

Some much needed fun......

Coronavirus

Here’s to 2019 - a great year for Hope

An Evening of Opera

In December over £10,000 was raised at our sold-out night of Opera

David's Story

We want to share with our supporters just how vital the money you raise is to Hope, and how it really makes a difference to the lives of cancer patients.

Helen's story

We would like to share with you a story from an incredible Hope supporter, Helen Matthews, who fundraises for Hope in memory of her husband David.

“It is the biggest emotional rollercoaster I’ve ever been on."