Business Beats Cancer Cymru looking for new recruits

 One of Wales’ top business leaders is launching a new fundraising board on World Cancer Day (February 4) which will be dedicated to saving lives.

Richard Selby, Director & Co-founder of Pro Steel Engineering Limited and National Chair of the Institute of Directors in Wales, is supporting Cancer Research UK by building a business board in Wales to help beat cancer sooner.

Richard is appealing to business Directors and CEOs in Wales with strong networks and connections to apply to join the board and make a significant impact in Wales for those affected by cancer.

Business Beats Cancer Cymru will lead on a high value fundraising initiative that connects the business community to help fund Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work in Wales. The Business Beats Cancer model was founded in Glasgow in 2016 when Joanne Casey, Director at Mactaggart & MickelHomes set up a board of key business leaders in Glasgow. The board organised a dinner and raised over £45,000 in the first year. Each year they have raised a higher amount, in total raising an incredible £350,000 over 5 years.

Those selected to join the Cymru board will have the opportunity to meet like-minded people who are working together to fund research taking place in Wales, whilst having an impact nationally in the fight against cancer. This will provide a fantastic opportunity to use business acumen and skills in a different way, whilst broadening networks, and increasing profiles. Expectations of board members includes committing to organising a high-value fundraising event such as a gala dinner – inviting business networks to the event, selling tables and sourcing auction items through personal contacts with the intention of driving maximum income. The time commitment involved would be a few hours a month.

CRUK spent £4m on research in Wales in 20/21. Cancer deaths have fallen in Wales by 13% in the last 10 years but there is much more to be done with 8,800 people dying from cancer in Wales each year. This is set to increase with the impact of covid slowing us down. Cancer Research UK expect to see a reduction in fundraising income of 250m over 3 years (2020 – 2022). What has been learned through Covid is that investing in research with a collective focus and collaboration produces positive results. Research will be key to improving cancer outcomes. Your impact in supporting now will be greater than ever.

Richard said: “I’m appealing to CEOs and Directors in Wales to volunteer their time and apply to join the Business Beats Cancer Cymru Board. Valuable experience would include having supported other charities in the past and having a strong motivation to be a part of united board to raise funds for a very important cause that affects us all.

“My experience is that this type of fundraising is rewarding in so many ways. It is sociable and a great way to meet new people. Furthermore, our fundraising efforts will contribute directly to helping Cancer Research UK scientists continue their research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer here in Wales.”

Cancer Research UK is determined to make a difference for people affected by cancer in Wales and beyond. CRUK scientists in Wales are experts in studying the inner workings of cancer cells, as well as genetics, early detection and prevention. They have a particular focus on a range of cancer types, including leukaemia and bowel, breast and prostate cancers.  The impact of Wales’ past research includes scientists in Wales supporting the largest lung cancer trial in the world, trials helping improve treatment for prostate cancer and finding new ways to detect pancreatic cancer as early as possible. Cancer Research UK are a steering group member the Obesity Alliance Cymru, which brings together charities, royal colleges and other health organisations and has set much of the tone for obesity policy in Wales.

Claire Cullen, a fundraising spokesperson for Cancer Research UK said: “One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. All of us can support the research that will beat it. Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. Every day we see the benefits of research the charity has funded, with new clinical trials opening and breakthroughs being reported – made possible thanks to the generosity of the charity’s supporters and volunteers. There’s a real sense of camaraderie and all pulling together for one reason – to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years.

Please reach out to Richard Selby richard.bbccymru@gmail.com to register your interest in applying for the board.

Find out how to play a part in supporting Cancer Research UK’s work at cruk.org or by calling 0300 123 1022.