Grappenhall woman calls for greater Cancer Research funding

Sam Self is encouraging everyone to raise money for life-saving research by donating and wearing a Cancer Research UK Unity Band this World Cancer Day, February 4, which also marks the charity’s 20th anniversary.

The 45-year-old, who lives in Grappenhall and is married to Ed, tragically lost both her mum and brother to cancer.

Sam has volunteered for Cancer Research for more than five years, and before Covid, she gave up most of her weekends in spring and summer to host Race for Life, Pretty Muddy and Shine events across the north west and north Wales.

She was inspired to give up her time after her family was hugely impacted by cancer, with her mum Jacque Self being diagnosed with ovarian cancer more than 20 years ago.

She underwent six months of chemotherapy and then went into remission, however five years later, Jacque became unwell again when the cancer came back, and she died aged 63 in 2005.

Just two years later, Sam’s brother Andrew Self, who was only aged 30, became unwell with flu like symptoms.

The family was devastated when Andrew was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Sam and Andrew Self as kids with their mum, Jacque Self

Sam moved to Essex to take Andrew to hospital appointments and spend time with him, and he too had six months of chemotherapy and responded well, but just two months later, Andrew relapsed.

He had chemotherapy once again and doctors were preparing him for a stem cell transplant, but he became so ill and weak that he made the decision to stop all treatment. Andrew died in 2008.

Other members of Sam’s family have also faced a cancer diagnosis, including her dad Robin Self, who is being treated for prostate cancer.

Sam, who runs her own jewellery business as well as working for the Royal College of GPs, said: “I would never want anyone to go through the same heartache that our family faced with my mum and brother.

“That is why I want everyone to get one of Cancer Research UK’s Unity Bands, as wearing one is such a simple way to show solidarity with people affected by the disease, while also raising vital funds.”

Available in three different colours – pink, navy and blue – a Unity Band can be worn in memory of a loved one, to celebrate people who have overcome cancer or in support of those going through treatment.

In the north west, around 44,900 people are diagnosed with cancer every year.

Sam added: “So many lives are touched by cancer, and following the impact of the pandemic, it is as urgent an issue now as it has ever been.

Sam Self is encouraging people to buy and wear a Cancer Research UK Unity Band this World Cancer Day

“New discoveries and breakthroughs are crucial to help save more lives in the future.”

Marked on February 4, World Cancer Day is an international initiative uniting people across the globe to take action against the disease.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Warrington, said: “As we mark our anniversary this World Cancer Day, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to Sam and people across the north west for their incredible commitment to the cause.

“Thanks to our supporters, we have achieved so much. Every day we see the benefits of research we have previously funded being realised, helping people live longer and healthier lives.

“One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, so we will never stop striving to create better treatments for tomorrow.

“That is why we hope everyone will wear a Unity Band with pride, knowing they are helping to save and improve lives for generations to come.

“We have come so far and we will go much further. Together, we will beat cancer.”

Unity bands are available at the Cancer Research UK shop in Sankey Street in the town centre and online at cruk.org/worldcancerday for a suggested donation of £2.