Archbishop McMahon visited the North West Cancer Research Centre at the University of Liverpool to meet leading researchers, scientists and clinicians. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool’s Catholic Archbishop has praised the “dedication” of people involved in the pioneering work of North West Cancer Research (NWCR).

The Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon visited the North West Cancer Research Centre at the University of Liverpool to meet leading researchers, scientists and clinicians.

NWCR is committing more than £13m to pioneering cancer research over the next five years.

The ninth Archbishop of Liverpool inherited patronage of the charity when he took up his post in 2014.

During his visit he was told how Dr Jason Parsons and his team were using some of the funding to advance our understanding of effective treatments for head and neck cancer patients.

Archbishop McMahon said: “It was a pleasure and a privilege to see the work being done by North West Cancer Research.

“I admire the enthusiasm and dedication of all those involved in this vital work and I have no hesitation in encouraging people to support this essential research in any way possible.”

NWCR will fund around £8.1million worth of research at the University of Liverpool over the next five years.

This includes support for researchers and PhD students, as well as the creation of research fellowships, helping attract some of the world’s leading cancer researchers to Liverpool.

Nigel Lanceley, chair of NWCR, added: “As a charity we strive to only support the very best-in-class cancer research and as such we are lucky enough to be working with some of the city’s and country’s top scientists and clinicians.

“We have had a successful start to our fundraising year and we have announced a significant £13m commitment to funding research.”