Wakefield fundraiser shares support for new National Cancer Plan as 'incredible' Yorkshire Cancer Research proposals included
Yorkshire Cancer Research and their supporters have welcomed the National Cancer Plan that has been announced, with several of the charity’s key proposals being reflected in the government’s strategy.
The 2026 National Cancer Plan for England, which was published earlier this month, on World Cancer Day (February 4), is a 10-year strategy aiming to improve cancer survival rates and speed up care.
The new Plan specifically references evidence from Yorkshire Cancer Research, highlighting several of their key proposals which are supported by nearly 3,000 people across the region.
This includes their Active Together programme, which has led the way in demonstrating how structured and personalised research-backed cancer exercise treatment, provided alongside nutrition and wellbeing support, can improve survival.
Active Together, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research and designed by Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, has supported nearly 3,000 people in the region with personalised fitness, nutrition and wellbeing support delivered by cancer specialists since it launched in West Yorkshire in 2024.
A passionate champion of research-backed exercise programmes like Active Together is Sara Williamson, from Wakefield, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.
After unfortunately experiencing heart failure twice during chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, she joined a cancer rehabilitation programme funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research to build back her physical strength and support her mental health.
Sara said: “I firmly belief I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for the exercise treatment and how it improved both my physical and mental health.
"My cancer treatment caused me to completely lose the ability to move; I couldn’t even dress or feed myself.
"The programme really helped me get myself moving and walking again.”
Sara was also one of the thousands of supporters who united to back the charity’s White Rose campaign.
The campaign brought together 3,000 voices from across Yorkshire who called for urgent action to reduce the region's cancer inequalities.
The new National Cancer Plan includes commitments to reduce geographical differences in cancer care, improve early diagnosis and expand access to modern diagnostic technologies – which are all steps reflecting key proposals in Yorkshire Cancer Research’s White Rose Cancer Report.
Sara continued: “It’s been incredible to hear about the expansion of Active Together to more places across Yorkshire, including Wakefield, and I’m so pleased our voices have been heard.
"It’s a big win for Yorkshire.
"The National Cancer Plan’s decision to bring digital prehabilitation people with cancer marks one stride forward to a future everyone with a cancer diagnosis can experience the life-changing benefits of exercise.”
Dr Stuart Griffiths, Director of Research, Policy and Impact at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Yorkshire Cancer Research welcomes the National Cancer Plan and its ambition to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
"The charity has long called for a comprehensive national cancer strategy and, alongside nearly 3,000 people living in Yorkshire, campaigned for action to end cancer inequalities in the region.
"This Plan represents a platform for meaningful change. But the measures must be developed carefully to ensure they are effective and don’t become a ‘tick box’ exercise.
“Yorkshire Cancer Research will continue to work with Government and the NHS to ensure the needs and experiences of people in Yorkshire remain central as the Plan is implemented.”