Local Mezzo Soprano Danielle Thomas has been unveiled as the first ever ambassador for charity North West Cancer Research (NWCR).

The talented singer from Waterloo already has close ties with the charity after performing at several fundraising events. Most recently she sang at NWCR’s Christmas Carol Concert, which helped to raise money for cancer research.

Danielle first became involved with the charity when her grandfather sadly passed away, after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He was just 76 years old.

Describing him as her singing inspiration, the 25 year old wanted to do something to help prevent others suffering in the same way he did. She first started supporting NWCR at its Christmas Carol Concert in 2013.

This is the first time NWCR has appointed an ambassador, a move that will help to raise the profile of the work it does to support cancer research projects in the North West, create fundraising opportunities and lead the way for further ambassadors.

Danielle recently visited the research laboratories at the NWCR Centre at the University of Liverpool, to see first-hand some of the cancer research projects which the charity supports.

 Danielle said:

“I am extremely proud to be asked to be an ambassador for NWCR. I am very fortunate that I have been able to use my singing to give something back to good causes like this and help raise awareness of the work they do.

“My granddad was one of the biggest supporters of my singing. He was always in the audience of every concert, no matter how big or small cheering me on. Losing him to cancer a few years ago really hit home to me how important cancer research is and how it can hopefully help to stop people suffering the way he did.

“It was really interesting to talk with some of the researchers today and find out more about what is happening to help progress the fight against cancer right here in Liverpool. It was eye opening to hear how much the equipment costs, which is why fundraising is so important.”

NWCR is the North West’s biggest locally-based cancer charity, which facilitates research projects across the region, including at nearby University of Liverpool. This year alone the charity has funded around £1.4million worth of research, which will help increase our understanding of cancer and how better to detect, treat and prevent the disease.

Anne Jackson, CEO, NWCR, said:

“Danielle was the obvious choice for our first ever charity ambassador, as she has been a fantastic supporter of our work for quite some time now. She has given up her time to perform at our events and helped us raise money on several occasions over the last few years and for that we are very grateful.

“In her new role, we hope that she will be able to continue to support us and help encourage as many people as possible to support cancer research which being carried out right here in Liverpool.

“Danielle will be the face of our charity, she is young, enthusiastic and dedicated to supporting NWCR and we hope that we will be able to attract many more young supporters just like her who will help bring a new energy to the charity and boost our fundraising efforts.”