Charities fighting cancer are doing a great job

Rosemere raise funds for equipment and facilities for cancer patients being treated in and around Lancashire, including at Burnley General.

I was pleased to meet their Chief Officer Sue Thompson and discuss the incredible work their fund-raising activities support and how they hope to do more.

Cancer affects many people. The UK sees 250,000 new diagnoses each year and is below the average survival rate for Europe, though there is a Government target to match it by this year.

Finding out someone you know has been diagnosed is very stressful. However, new research and treatments are always being looked into and many organisations like Rosemere are doing their bit to fund raise. I am sure many readers will already be supporting charities dedicated to supporting the fight against cancer locally.

One really positive development in recent years has been this Government’s Cancer Drugs Fund. It has made £650m. available to help over 34,000 people receive additional cancer drugs that can improve or extend their life. It was recently announced an extra £400m. will extend the fund until March, 2016, which is very welcome news.

I have often bumped into those raising funds for Rosemere around Pendle and was delighted the charity was selected as one of this year’s Pendle Mayoral Charities.

Meeting the Rosemere team was a timely reminder for me of how important it is to support those charities fighting against cancer here in Lancashire.