Stevenage’s Cancer Research UK superstore will host an event next week where members of the public can learn how they can help make a difference to the charity.

The charity’s newest and biggest store in Oaklands Retail Park will be holding a free event where people can find out how to support Cancer Research in North Herts.

The event will be held from 6.30pm until 8.30pm next Thursday, September 7, with guests being able to speak to a number of volunteers.

One such volunteer is Christine Gooden, and she told the Comet about the importance of fundraising for the charity.

“My brother passed away from stomach cancer and I lost my best friend to cancer at 18. Back then, you didn’t talk about cancer,” said Christine.

“The work Cancer Research UK is doing is so important – not only to find treatments, but also to get people talking about cancer, so people know how to spot the signs.

“You meet amazing people through volunteering and hear some very moving and inspiring stories, which just reminds you how important it is to keep raising more money.

“These events simply wouldn’t take place without volunteers, so it’s important that people in the local area continue to support Cancer Research UK.”

Although survival rates have doubled in the last 40 years, cancer is still the biggest cause of premature deaths in the UK.

Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to ensure that by 2034, three-quarters of people survive their disease for 10 years or more after a cancer diagnosis.

Stevenage-based fundraising manager Rebecca Gray has urged the people of the town and further afield to support the charity to help achieve this.

“Every step we make towards beating cancer sooner relies on every pound, every hour and every person,” she said.

“It’s thanks to the support of the fundraising public and our amazing volunteers that we can continue to make a real difference and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

“We’re urging the people of Stevenage and North Herts to come along to our superstore and find out more about the brilliant local opportunities to support Cancer Research UK and help save lives.”

For more information contact event manager Courtney Culverhouse on 07876 390297 or email courtney.culverhouse@cancer.org.uk.