A CANCER charity with centres in Skipton and Bradford has launched an appeal to help it survive the coronavirus pandemic.

Cancer Support Yorkshire, which has been going for 33 years, says it is struggling because of a downturn in fundraising activities and has set up a Covid appeal.

It hopes its many supporters and others will donate what they can so it can carry on helping victims of cancer and their families in the community.

The charity was the brainchild of Dr Clifford Dobson, then, senior research fellow at Bradford University. It opened in January, 1988 in Vicar Lane, Bradford, and was said to be the first of its kind in the country.

Its aim was to provide practical and emotional help and support for patients and their families affected by a cancer diagnosis.

Now, 33 years on, the charity says its aim is the same, and the only difference is the wider range of free services available and the huge increase of people receiving help and support.

It opened in Otley Street, Skipton in 2014 and two years later, it opened its ‘preloved’ shop on Belmont Bridge. For a while, it staged an annual moonlight walk of 5km around the town centre.

Linda Enderby, Cancer Support Yorkshire fundraiser said she had worked for the charity for 28 years.

“When I look back to where we started to where we are today, with centres in Bradford and Skipton supporting over 2,000 people every year, I feel so proud.”

Both centres have had to close because of the pandemic, but the team is working from home giving support via the telephone and online platforms such as Zoom. They have reached out to more than 2,000 clients since the first lockdown but are looking forward to the time when they can get back to face-to-face contact.

Linda added: “I can’t bear the thought of life without Cancer Support Yorkshire. Too many people depend on us, and where would they go to get the help and support, they need.

“Most of us have experienced cancer or know someone who has, so I urge anyone who can donate to please do it now and help to make sure we are around for many years to come.”

Sarah Wood, the charity’s executive director, said: “We are all too aware of the impact these unprecedented times are having on the physical, mental, and financial wellbeing of many people.

“I have personally seen those affected by cancer struggle even more so during this period.”

Donations can be made via the website: csyorkshire.org.uk or telephone 01274 776688.