Passing the Baton for Cancer

Swansea University Researchers Pass the Baton for Cancer and cycle 5,000 miles.

A team of 17 cancer researchers from the Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology (RGBO) Lab at Swansea University cycled over 5,000 miles throughout July, the equivalent of five laps of Wales, to raise £1,740.24 (2,110.30 with gift aid) for two local charities; Tenovus Cancer Care and Maggies Swansea.

Having taken part in Pass the Baton for Cancer Research 2020, in which they cycled the equivalent of over 100 laps of the Gower Peninsula, the team wanted to push themselves even further this year.

Kadie Edwards is undertaking her PhD at Swansea University, part-funded by Tenovus Cancer Care. She is investigating the branch of medicine concerned specifically with treating ovarian cancer with minimal side effects.

Kadie said: "RBGO and friends have once again taken part in the #Baton4Cancer challenge to help raise vital funds to continue research into cancer. Covid-19 had a devastating impact on developments in cancer research and caused a dramatic reduction in funding.

"My research at Swansea University is funded by Tenovus Cancer Care, and my studies in ovarian cancer are looking at new ways of improving cancer therapeutics. It's so important to keep our research into cancer going so we can find new ways to treat and prevent cancers from developing, giving people a better chance of recovery and survival."

Tenovus Cancer Care has continued to support cancer patients and their loved ones throughout the pandemic. Its mobile support units are still delivering chemotherapy treatment, its nurse-led support line is still receiving calls, and its benefit advisors continue to support patients with money worries. The Tenovus Sing with Us choirs have also lifted the spirits of many by bringing people together on Zoom and Facebook Live!

Ceri Hill, Regional Fundraising Manager for Tenovus Cancer Care, said: "Tenovus Cancer Care would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the team for taking on this challenge. The funds they raise mean that we can keep supporting cancer patients and their families when and where they need us most. The past year has been challenging for so many people, and we can't say a big enough thank you to everyone for their support."

The donations from the challenge will also support Maggies Cancer Centre in Swansea, which provides free emotional and practical support to anyone who has been affected by cancer, including friends, family and carers, enabling them to live with, through and beyond cancer.

Lucia Osmond, the Centre's Fundraising Manager, said: "We are delighted that team RBGO chose to support Maggie's Swansea again this year. Maggie's provides cancer support to anyone affected by cancer. The purpose-built facility is situated next to Singleton hospital so that people with cancer and their families can access support easily from our professional team.

"The buildings are designed to be healing spaces, allowing people with cancer and their families to use the space as a calming space to reflect and destress, before and after treatment. During the pandemic, Maggie's safely remained opened for face to face support, alongside virtual and telephone support."

You can follow the Baton for Cancer journey on Twitter @baton4cancer and RBGO on @RBGO_SwanseaUni.

Throughout the pandemic, Tenovus Cancer Care has been answering questions from cancer patients and people worrying about symptoms, concerned about how the current situation may impact them. The experienced nurses on the charity's freephone Support line are available every day, not only to help cancer patients but also their loved ones – and anyone with a question about cancer. People affected by cancer really do need the charity's support and hope now, more than ever.

To learn more about Tenovus, call the Tenovus Cancer Care free Support Line on 0808 808 1010 or visit www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk.

To find out more about Maggies Swansea, visit https://www.maggies.org/our-centres/maggies-swansea/ or call 01792 200000.