Scientist helps lay foundations to continue fight against cancer
A SCIENTIST who is helping the battle against cancer has been helping inspire the next generation to continue the fight.
Sam Humphrey, from Offerton, works at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute where he has helped design and produce a learning tool to teach schoolchildren about research into the disease.
And as part of the Stand Up to Cancer campaign he has been visiting schools to showcase the tool.
He, along with colleague Steve Bagley, also taught youngsters about DNA and genetic codes. There was then a question and answer session.
Stand Up To Cancer aims to raise money to fund translational research, which takes developments in the lab and turns them into new tests and treatments for patients.
It is a joint campaign by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.
Sam, 23, who attended Aquinas College, said: “The children really took to the experiment using the DNA blocks. I hope we’ve helped inspire them to think about a career in science.
“We had great fun explaining our work to the pupils and then demonstrating our 3D DNA models.
“It was really exciting to meet the children and hear about their fundraising for Cancer Research UK. Scientists like me and my colleagues are very grateful for all their fantastic work.”
According to figures 110 people are diagnosed with cancer in the north west of England every day.
Alison Barbuti, from Cancer Research UK, said: “Stand Up To Cancer aims to accelerate the translation of brilliant scientific discoveries into innovative cancer medicine, tests and treatments.
“Every pound raised will help to support this progress and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
“With support from the North West, we can continue to fund vital research to get new and better treatments to cancer patients faster.”