One of the North West’s leading cancer research charities has strengthened its commitment to funding research in the city of Liverpool – helping combat the area’s rising cancer rates.

North West Cancer Research (NWCR) Incorporating Clatterbridge Cancer Research has moved its headquarters to the new North West Cancer Research Centre at the University of Liverpool, London Road bringing the charity closer to the world-class research which it supports.

The centre will provide a hub for research into the causes and treatment of cancer, making in-roads into our understanding of the disease and how to tackle it.

Latest research figures show that people in Liverpool are around 20% more likely to develop cancer than those living elsewhere in the UK, with lung, skin and liver cancers among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the region.

To date NWCR has funded over £28million worth of research projects which aim to help improve our understanding of cancer its diagnosis and treatment, directly benefitting those living in Liverpool and the North West. Over the last year research grants totalled £2million, supporting projects at the University of Liverpool as well as Lancaster University and the University of Bangor.

Thanks to world-class research such as this, Liverpool has become a centre of excellence for cancer research, diagnosis and treatment excelling in particular with skin cancer, lung cancer and stomach cancer research.

Michael Potts, Chairman of NWCR, said:

“Moving into such an eye-catching and well-known building means we will become part of the city’s growing knowledge quarter and will benefit by association not just with the University of Liverpool but with Liverpool John Moore’s University, The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, the new Royal Liverpool University Teaching Hospital and the proposed new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.”

“The Research Centre will allow the translation of breakthroughs into real patient benefit, by working closely with the world class facilities at the University and with the regional NHS Trusts to develop new treatments and therapeutic targets. We will also develop outreach and educational activities with Liverpool City Council and the public aimed at prevention and awareness.”

“With Liverpool and the North West having some of the highest incidences of cancer in the whole country, it is absolutely critical that we continue to fund innovative and effective ways to deal with the problem. Charities like NWCR have the scale and influence to help with this mission.”

North West Cancer Research officially launched its new headquarters on Friday October 24 with a special ceremony attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Dame Lorna Muirhead, the Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Tony Concepcion and High Sheriff of Merseyside Mrs Abila Pointing. Actress and comedienne Pauline Daniels was also in attendance.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Tony Concepcion, said:

“I am delighted to participate in the celebratory launch of the new NWCR headquarters. The charity’s presence in the city reaffirms its commitment to supporting ground breaking cancer research which has the potential to benefit people living in Liverpool and beyond.”

“The work of the charity and its fundraisers is vital in the fight against high cancer rates in Liverpool and the North West.”

Researchers and clinicians were hand to talk to guests about some of the cancer research which is being carried out at the North West Cancer Research Centre.

Guests also received a special live performance of the song ‘Butterfly in the Rain’ from the hit Liverpool musical ‘Twopence to Cross the Mersey’ sung by an original cast member Pauline Daniels.

Pauline has been a long standing supporter of the work of cancer charities such as NWCR. Less than a year ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer and has undergone months of treatment. After having part of her breast removed and radiotherapy Pauline is currently on a course of drug for the next five years, as the final part of the treatment.

The song ‘Butterfly in the Rain’ has been kindly donated to the charity by Rob Fennah who wrote and produced the hit stage musical. The song centres on the light at the end of the tunnel after a long struggle. The show will make a welcome return in 2015 as a brand new stage play to venues across the region.

More information about NWCR can be found at www.nwcr.org