Brother and sister say supersized Thank You

A brother and sister from Exeter whose dad has survived cancer are saying a supersized ‘thank you’ for every action, big or small, that’s helping Cancer Research UK fight the disease.

Keon, 8 and Erin Byrne, 6, from Bradninch posed with a giant ‘Thank You’ card alongside their dad Matt, aged 42, who has been treated successfully for cancer of the tongue.

Together, Keon and Erin are sending a very personal message to everyone in Devon who has supported Cancer Research UK in any way. They are highlighting the importance of every action, from the smallest gestures to the greatest fundraising challenges, in helping the charity fund life-saving research.

Their heart-felt message comes as Cancer Research UK launches its inspiring summer awareness and fundraising campaign. 

Designed to show how every supporter’s contribution combines to create a collective force in the battle against the disease, the campaign features TV, radio and billboard ads across the UK.

Soul singer Matt, thought he’d never sing again after being told he had cancer of the tongue.

At the age of 36, he was looking forward to the birth of his third child Erin, when his consultant delivered the shattering news that Matt had aggressive cancer.

When he was told he would have to undergo immediate treatment including removing more than 4cm of his tongue it was a day etched forever in his memory.

He recalls: "My wife Sera was eight months pregnant with our third child when it was confirmed it was oral cancer. I had a 13-and-a-half hour operation a couple of days before her due date and didn't see my daughter until she was three days old. Sera had a home birth and I remember being wheeled through to see my daughter which was an amazing moment.”
 
“The experience of being diagnosed and treated for cancer has helped me appreciate how crucial research is. And in turn, I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped fund Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists so they can carry out this vital work.

“That’s why we are backing Cancer Research UK’s campaign. We want the chance to say ‘thank you’ and encourage everyone in Devon to join the fight against cancer.”  

Keon and Erin are encouraging people to visit the Cancer Research UK shop on Sidwell Street in the city centre, where the giant ‘Thank You’ card will be displayed from Thursday 20 August

Research has led to an improved understanding of the biology and causes of cancer. This in turn has led to discovering better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease - all helping to save lives.

Some of the landmark advances in treatment include tamoxifen for breast cancer and cisplatin for testicular cancer - developments which involved Cancer Research UK researchers playing a key role.

Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Devon, said: “We’d like to thank you to Keon and Erin and Matt for their support in highlighting everyone’s role in helping us to beat cancer sooner.

“Every action, no matter how small, makes a big difference in the fight against the disease. From school children doing a sponsored silence and office colleagues hosting a bake sale, to those dropping their spare change into a collection tin or cheering on their loved ones as they cross the finish line - every little action helps us to help more people, like Matt survive.

“And now, for the first time ever, we have reached a turning point in the fight against cancer. Today, two out of every four people with cancer will survive for ten years or more.

“Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding for its ground-breaking research. It’s thanks to our supporters in Devon and across the UK, that we have been able to make such good progress.

“But there is still more work to be done. Every step we take towards beating cancer relies on every hour of research, every pound donated and every person who gets involved. That’s why we’re rallying people across Devon to join the fight to help ensure that no-one’s life is cut short by this devastating disease.”

Supporters can also tweet their thank you messages using the hashtag #ThankYouThursday at @CR_UK.

For more information on how to join the fight and help beat cancer sooner, visit www.cruk.org