Leeds United have announced Yorkshire Cancer Research as their official charity partner for the new season.
The club will work with the charity which looks to help people in Yorkshire avoid and survive cancer during the 2020/21 campaign, helping to raise awareness of the world-leading research that takes place across the region.
The 'Marching on Cancer. Together' campaign will see fans who have sadly been affected by cancer given the opportunity to get involved throughout the season, as players and fans are urged to support the charity which has raised more than £40million worth of research in Leeds since 2000.
Dr Kathryn Scott, chief executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, explained more about the initiative.
“We all know Leeds United fans are up there with the best in the world and we can’t wait to let them know all about the work we’re doing to save lives in Yorkshire," she said.
“As the year progresses, we’ll have opportunities for fans affected by cancer to get involved, including the chance to take part in a cancer rehabilitation training session led by the players to showcase how exercise after a cancer diagnosis can help stop cancer coming back.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the charity to raise awareness of our aim to make sure people with cancer in our region are diagnosed as early as possible and have access to the very best treatments. With the support of Leeds United fans, we will save more lives in Yorkshire.”
This message was echoed by Leeds United's executive director, Paul Bell.
“We are delighted to welcome Yorkshire Cancer Research as our charity partner for the 2020/21 season.
“So many people across the city of Leeds have either been affected or lost loved ones to cancer and the work the charity is conducting is vital for the region.
“As a club we are committed to the local community and if we can help to raise awareness among our supporter base and save just one life, then this collaboration will have made a huge difference.”
The charity has a number of flagship programmes such as the Leeds Lung Health Check, a multi-million pound clinical trial which is helping people in Leeds benefit from life-saving scans designed to find lung cancer at the earliest possible stage. Cancer Wise Leeds is an initiative that aims to improve screening participation in the city in partnership with Leeds City Council as part of the Leeds Cancer Programme.
To find out more and make a donation, visit www.ycr.org.uk/lufc.
Leeds begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to Liverpool on Saturday.
