Calendar Girls open pioneering Cancer Research Unit
Posted on 12 July 2004
The Leukaemia Research Epidemiology and Genetics Unit (EGU) aims to find the causes of cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma, the cancer that claimed the life of John Baker - the husband of Calendar Girl Angela Baker and the inspiration behind the original Calendar.
"This is exactly why we started raising money for Leukaemia Research all those years ago - and this is why we decided to go through with the idea of the calendar so we could support research like this," says Angela Baker.
"I would like to thank every single person who has bought a calendar, been to see the film, or has supported our fundraising for Leukaemia Research."
The EGU is based in state-of-the-art buildings at the University of York. Led by Professor Eve Roman, the team of 20 researchers is homing in on the environmental and genetic factors that can predispose people to these cancers.
The centre leads a number of nationwide studies including the largest-ever study of its kind investigating the causes of cancers in children. The team is analyzing lifestyle patterns, environmental exposures and genetic make-up of patients to get to the bottom of the blood cancer mystery.
Professor Roman says: "We are absolutely delighted to be moving into these fantastic new facilities in York, where we can pursue these long-term studies into the causes of cancer. This is crucial detective work, that will provide vital clues about leukaemia and lymphoma, diseases which affect more than 1,500 people in Yorkshire each year."
Angela Baker (Miss February) will unveil a plaque in memory of her husband John, the man whose fight against lymphoma sparked the idea for the Alternative WI Calendar 2000. John Baker was an Assistant National Park Officer for the Yorkshire Dales, and died from lymphoma in July 1998, aged 54. The plaque will be placed in new laboratories at the University of York where money raised by the Calendar Girls will support leading edge research into lymphoma and leukaemia.
Angela says: "John was treated in Yorkshire and was one of thousands of lymphoma patients who took part in a Leukaemia Research Fund study investigating the causes of the disease.
"I know that John would have been so proud if he could have been here today," Angela adds.
The plaque reads: The work in this laboratory is dedicated to the memory of John Baker in recognition of the exceptional fundraising achievements of The Calendar Girls of the Rylstone & District Women's Institute.
Sir Walter Bodmer, chairman of the Leukaemia Research Medical and Scientific Advisory Panel, says: "These are exciting times for cancer research in Yorkshire. The combination of large population studies and powerful research into the genetic make-up of patients with leukaemia and lymphoma will help provide the answers to some very important questions.
"The sooner we can find out what makes people susceptible to these diseases - the sooner we can look for preventive measures. The group in York is well placed to reinforce its position as international experts in this area of cancer research."Professor Brian Cantor, Vice Chancellor of the University of York said: "We are very pleased that this research unit has moved to the University to continue its pioneering research. This is a wonderful addition to York's healthcare and biomedical research."
Leukaemia Research supports a pioneering programme of in Yorkshire which is helping to save the lives of patients with leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. This work is a key part of the charity's national strategy to defeat leukaemia and related blood disorders.
More information on the charity's work in the region is available in the new brochure: Leukaemia Research in Yorkshire. To order your copy please ring 020 7405 0101 or e-mail: press@lrf.org.uk