Scots charity creates giant mosaics to celebrate moments made possible by cancer research

Hundreds of people whose lives have been touched by cancer have contributed to a poignant collection of photographs made into two giant mosaics exhibited in Edinburgh's Waverley Station.

Article Source: Worldwide Cancer Research
Last Updated: 17 November 2022 11:05

Scots charity creates giant mosaics to celebrate moments made possible by cancer research.

● Hundreds of photographs have been submitted by people whose lives have been touched by cancer, marking life moments which may never have taken place if it wasn't for a cancer treatment or cure

● Together the pictures make up two giant mosaics of a scientist and fundraiser

● The artwork shines a light on the pioneering research which is helping to save lives each day - only possible by Worldwide Cancer Research's network of Curestarters

Hundreds of people whose lives have been touched by cancer have contributed to a poignant collection of photographs marking moments which wouldn't have been possible without pioneering cancer research.

The images form two giant mosaics, collated by Edinburgh based charity Worldwide Cancer Research. Fronting the mosaics are the University of Strathclyde's Dr Christine Dufès, a scientist studying how prostate cancer responds to treatment, and East Lothian resident Adam Coulson, a passionate fundraiser who supports the organisation after losing both his parents.

Part of a campaign recognising the work of ‘Curestarters’ - those who contribute to the discovery of new cancer treatments and cures - almost 750 pictures were submitted by people across the UK whose lives have been affected by cancer.

From birthdays and weddings to graduations and anniversaries, the photographs capture a huge selection of personal life moments and memories which may not have taken place if it wasn’t for incredible advances in cancer research.

Unique to each individual or family, the snapshots are a touching example of the number of lives affected by cancer - which records almost half a million new cases per year.

The 2m by 2m image of Dr Dufès is made entirely from individual moments made possible by cancer treatments or cures, each of which begins as a research project, while Adam’s portrait is composed of individual photographs from WCR’s Curestarter community - supporters, fundraisers and scientists alongside people no longer with us who have inspired these dedicated advocates.

Whether the image has been submitted by someone currently undergoing treatment, a loving family member who fundraises in tribute or the charity's global network of scientists pursuing discovery research - each heartrending photo offers a glimpse into an inspiring real life story.

Dr Helen Rippon, CEO of Worldwide Cancer Research said: "We're on a mission to end cancer, currently funding nearly 80 research projects in 17 different countries. None of these would have been possible without our incredible team of visionary scientists, supported by generous fundraisers up and down the UK.

"Together this community of Curestarters are bringing us one step closer to the next breakthrough which will ultimately save more lives.

"Every photo of a moment made possible by pioneering cancer research represents a life milestone which would otherwise have been missed and another day enjoyed with friends, family or loved ones.

"Our Curestarters continue to be inspired by these achievements as well as those who are unfortunately no longer with us, collectively working tirelessly towards our ambition of eradicating cancer once and for all."

Worldwide Cancer Research is the only charity in the UK that solely funds discovery research – the very first step of the research process. Before clinical trials, lifesaving drugs and treatments, there are ideas; ideas that lead to new discoveries.

Last month, the charity announced it was funding £5.3m for global cancer research projects, spanning 25 projects in 12 different countries. This is half a million more than in 2021, and will cover 13 different types of cancer.

Amongst the photographs featured in the exhibition is Mhairi Sharp from East Kilbride. Mhairi is one of the 0.4% of women in their 30s to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Having beaten the disease in 2021, Mhairi uses her Instagram platform to document her life post recovery, and highlight how things once normal to her can now feel like big steps not to be taken for granted. Honest, humorous, and humble, Mhairi loves to share the highs and lows of her new normality, making sure to celebrate every precious milestone she can.

Also featured in the photographs is Victoria Robb, a 34 year old mother from Edinburgh who was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in January 2021. She was given the news after finding a lump in her breast a few months earlier which had become more painful as time progressed. Before all of her surgeries, Victoria set herself a challenge to help get her through the surgery and back to fitness as quickly as possible. Three weeks post-surgery and only two months post-chemo, Victoria ran the Scottish 10km. Victoria’s last surgery was on 23rd June 2022 and she’s currently embarking on her biggest challenge yet, cycling 520km across Kenya.

The artwork will be exhibited in Edinburgh's Waverley Station for three weeks from November 16 and members of the public will be able to view the exhibition across from platform 2.

For more information about the mosaics or to become a Curestarter visit worldwidecancerresearch.org

Image: East Lothian resident Adam Coulson, a passionate fundraiser.

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Scots charity creates giant mosaics to celebrate moments made possible by cancer research

Hundreds of people whose lives have been touched by cancer have contributed to a poignant collection of photographs made into two giant mosaics exhibited in Edinburgh's Waverley Station.

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