Why Leeds actress Gaynor Faye is urging people across the city to shop to save lives

Leeds actress Gaynor Faye is urging people across the city to shop to save lives as Cancer Research UK stores re-open after a devastating closure.
Back in 2014, Gaynor was the VIP guest to open the new Cancer Research UK premium store in Leeds City Centre.  The regular shopper and donator is now urging shoppers to help get life-saving research back on track as shops re-opens with new COVID-19 safety measures.Back in 2014, Gaynor was the VIP guest to open the new Cancer Research UK premium store in Leeds City Centre.  The regular shopper and donator is now urging shoppers to help get life-saving research back on track as shops re-opens with new COVID-19 safety measures.
Back in 2014, Gaynor was the VIP guest to open the new Cancer Research UK premium store in Leeds City Centre. The regular shopper and donator is now urging shoppers to help get life-saving research back on track as shops re-opens with new COVID-19 safety measures.

Three months on, staff and volunteers at the city’s four shops - Leeds city centre, Moortown, Horsforth and the Kirkstall Superstore - are now getting back to business to tackle a shortfall in funding, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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With its shops across the UK typically contributing more than £25m every year to vital research, Cancer Research UK has suffered a dramatic loss of income since they were forced to close temporarily at the end of March.

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Highlighting the scale of the funding gap, Gaynor’s call to support Cancer Research UK’s shops in Leeds coincides with the launch of an urgent new TV appeal to help get the charity’s life-saving work back on track.

Its customers are a key part of this effort, so strict measures are being followed to ensure people across the city can shop, volunteer and donate goods safely.

These include social distancing, hand sanitiser stations, cough guards at till points, face coverings and gloves for shop staff and volunteers and additional cleaning.

There is also a 72-hour quarantine period for donated items. However, before dropping off goods, the shop recommends to phone ahead and check capacity on the day as the new safety measures mean that storage space may be limited.

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Karen Wilson, Cancer Research UK manager of the Leeds city centre shop on Lands Lane, said: “To save lives tomorrow, we need the public’s support today - so we want people to know we’re making every effort to create a safe shopping experience.

“COVID-19 has hit us hard and after three long months we’re delighted to be able to welcome new and familiar faces like Gaynor’s back through our doors again, as well as a host of new donations.

“Our shops are full of new and pre-loved items, fashion one-offs and homeware treasures – particularly after lockdown clear-outs. As well as being sold at bargain prices, every sale helps to fund our work. But right now, clinical trials are being postponed and we’re having to delay vital research.

“That’s why we’re asking our Leeds customers to do what they can. Whether they shop, donate goods or volunteer their time – all are essential to help us keep making breakthroughs for people with cancer.”

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Answering that rallying cry is Gaynor, a long-term supporter of Cancer Research UK and a regular customer and donator to their shops. Gaynor, who was the VIP guest of honour to open the charity’s Lands Lane shop back in 2014, has been a long-term supporter of Cancer Research UK.

Gaynor, who before lockdown had just finished the UK stage tour of Band of Gold after leaving Emmerdale, knows first-hand just how important new discoveries are to help more people survive.

She sadly lost her beloved grandparents to cancer and like most people, has other family and friends who have been affected by the disease.

“I love the Cancer Research UK shops and have picked up some fabulous clothes and accessories over the years. My mum (Kay Mellor) and I have also donated many items, including costumes from various Rollem TV productions, even my wedding dress from Fat Friends, It was heart-breaking their shops had to close, because I know what a lack of funding could mean for the development of new treatments for people with cancer.

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“I am delighted they are back open again. I’ll be popping in soon to drop off my lockdown clear-out items and probably sneak in a bit of retail therapy too – all for a good cause!

“I hope people in Leeds will be inspired by the charity’s determination to carry on beating cancer and show their support too – they really could save lives.”

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters like Gaynor, Cancer Research UK currently funds around 50% of all cancer research in the UK.

However, as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, it expects to see its fundraising income decline by up to 30 per cent in the financial year ahead – putting this research at risk.

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Karen added: “COVID-19 has slowed us down. But we will never stop. With around 30,500 people diagnosed with cancer every year in Yorkshire the Humber*, we are absolutely determined to continue creating better cancer treatments for the future.

“Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on every pound raised. So, with the help of shoppers in Leeds we believe that together we will still beat cancer.”

Cancer Research UK was able to spend over £4 million in Yorkshire and the Humber last year on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.

For more information visit: cruk.org/shops

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