North East Hampshire MP James Arbuthnot met Cancer Research UK’s doctors, scientists and supporters at a special reception at Westminster recently.
Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding and relies on the generosity of supporters to fund its life-saving work. Around five people are diagnosed with cancer every hour in the South East* but the good news is that thousands of mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters across the region are alive today thanks to research into cancer.
Mr Arbuthnot said: “I was keen to find out more about work funded by Cancer Research at the Gray Institute and throughout the UK. I feel proud that research in the South East makes such a significant contribution to the fight against cancer. It’s heartening to know that by supporting Cancer Research UK’s work local people could be making a big difference to cancer patients here on their doorstep.”
Cancer Research UK is calling on the Government to work in partnership with the scientific community to ensure that pioneering new research can be transferred from the lab bench to the patient’s bedside as quickly as possible.
Harpal Kumar, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, thanked Mr Arbuthnot for his support.
He said: “Cancer Research UK is working hard in every region of the UK to beat cancer. Ninety per cent of the population live within 30 miles of a laboratory or hospital where we’re funding life-saving research, which is funded entirely by the generosity of the public.
“We welcome the government’s recent commitments that will help us with the research we fund in the NHS. We now want the Government to involve Cancer Research UK in planning for the future of medical research in the UK.”
To find out more about Cancer Research UK’s work and how to support the charity please visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.