Escape – to learn about treatment for cancer
ONE of Wales’ leading cancer charities has been bringing cuttingedge cancer research to life – thanks to a link-up with a Cardiff escape room.
Tenovus Cancer Care partnered with the family-run Exitus Escape Rooms to host the “Virus Tinkerers” room during Cardiff Science Festival (February 15-18).
Virus Tinkerers is based on research being conducted by PhD students Alex Baker and Tabitha Cunliffe, focusing on retraining viruses to recognise and kill cancer cells.
It’s funded by Tenovus Cancer Care and supervised by Dr Alan Parker at Cardiff University.
Twenty-eight groups, including escape room enthusiasts from across the country, played the room for free during Cardiff Science Festival.
Although not everyone escaped within the 60-minute time limit, the feedback was extremely positive.
Jamie Gibbs, from the Welsh escape room review site Armchair Escapist, said: “What I appreciated about the story in this room was that the stakes weren’t as high as with most other rooms.
“This wasn’t ‘save the world’, it was much more grounded in reality – you must restore the power to the incubator before years’ worth of research is lost. With smaller stakes, it’s much more believable to be doing what you’re doing.”
This unique and exciting collaboration has already raised £317.18 for Tenovus Cancer Care and will continue to raise money.
Following Cardiff Science Festival, the Virus Tinkerers escape room has become a permanent game and Exitus is donating 5% its bookings to Tenovus Cancer Care.
Lisa Whittaker, research engagement officer at Tenovus Cancer Care, said: “We hope this is a new innovative way for people to learn about the vital cancer research we fund in Wales.
“We were delighted with the success of the room during Cardiff Science Festival and would like to thank Exitus for giving us the room and pledging part of their ongoing profits to Tenovus Cancer Care.”
■ To book call 029 2240 6151 or visit https://exitusescaperoomscardiff.co.uk/rooms/virus-tinkerers. Prices start at £14 per person (dependent on the number of players).