North West Cancer Research will fund cancer projects in Liverpool and across the North West over the next two years including £8.1m at the University of Liverpool. Tony McDonough reports.

North West Cancer Research (NWCR) says its fundraising efforts this year have generated a record £1.5m in charitable income.

And the Liverpool-based charity has committed its largest amount of funding ever – £13m – over the next two years, for cancer research projects across the North West, including £8.1m at the University of Liverpool.

Research supported by NWCR includes the use of proton beam therapies in head and neck cancers, the development of effective skin cancer drugs and plans for a clinical trial looking a bile duct cancer in partnership with researchers and clinicians across Merseyside.

The charity has finished its 2016 fundraising efforts with a flourish, with its Concert for a Cure carols fundraiser generating more than £3,000.

An audience of special guests, fundraisers and supporters shared the spirit of Christmas, with carols led by mezzo soprano singer and North West Cancer Research ambassador Danielle Thomas and the Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust.

Nigel Lanceley, chair of NWRC addressed guests at the service saying: “2016 has been a significant year.

“We have surpassed fundraising targets and also continued to support unprecedented levels of cancer research projects in the region.

“We have only been able to do this with the commitment and dedication of a special group of people including the members of our local fundraising committees, our volunteers and our fundraising heroes who have tackled mammoth challenges on our behalf.

“Thanks to their efforts we are now able to continue to support world class cancer research which is being carried out right here on our doorstep.”