Written by Rob Dawber:
Here at Newcastle University, we believe in the power of community and collaboration, not just in our research labs but also in our efforts to make a difference in the wider world. With this spirit in mind, a group of enthusiastic researchers working within the university’s Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology Groups recently organized a cake sale to raise funds for Cancer Research UK – an organisation that funds much of our own research! We are thrilled to announce that our efforts were a smashing success, raising over £500 in a matter of hours!
A Sweet Initiative for a Serious Cause
In the UK alone there are around 375,000 new cancer cases every year, that’s around 1,000 every day, and 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime*. Within the Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology Groups at Newcastle University, many of us have dedicated our careers to understanding this complex disease and finding ways to combat it. Organizing a cake sale seemed like a fitting way to combine our love for baking with our commitment to making a difference. The cake sale was held outside the Bedson Building entrance on Friday 15th March, and the response from both staff and students was overwhelmingly positive. Our lab-based scientists put their creativity and practical skillsets to the test in the kitchen and the results did not disappoint; from classic chocolate cakes and lemon drizzles to vegan-friendly options and gluten-free treats, there was something for everyone to enjoy!
*Ahmad AS et al, British Journal of Cancer, 2015
Cancer Research at Newcastle University
The Bedson Building at Newcastle University houses a number of lab spaces that are dedicated to understanding and combating cancer. Home to one of Cancer Research Horizons six drug discovery sites and a dedicated Chemical Biology Unit, the building brings together scientists from a range of disciplines to research cancer from a variety of different perspectives. From traditional drug discovery approaches to developing innovative technologies, the medicinal chemistry team and chemical biology team develop novel anticancer agents, within research funded by Cancer Research UK.
Community Support and Generosity
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who stopped by the cake sale to purchase a treat or make a donation. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to raise over £500 for Cancer Research UK. Whether you baked a cake, bought a slice, or simply spread the word about our fundraiser, your support is greatly appreciated. Every pound raised is contributing towards highly innovative, life-saving research.
Looking Ahead
This cake sale was part of a greater effort to fundraise for CRUK and we are already thinking of new ideas for future fundraising events. With many of our team members already signed up for this year’s Great North Run half-marathon, as well as various other challenging endurance events, we are committed to supporting Cancer Research UK and to fighting for a cancer-free future.
For more updates on our research and community initiatives, stay tuned to our websites:
https://kawamuraresearchgroup.com/
https://research.ncl.ac.uk/drugdiscovery/
Additionally, if you would like to support our fundraising efforts you can do so via the link below: