YCRBCIP Patient Representative Helps Inspire Poet Laureate’s New Cancer Awareness Poem
Emma, one of our patient representatives, has played a key role in inspiring a new poem by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, created to mark World Cancer Day on 4 February 2026.
Armitage’s poem, titled “The Campaign,” was commissioned by Yorkshire Cancer Research and shaped by the real-life experiences of people across the region who have been affected by cancer. Emma was among those who shared their insights, helping the Poet Laureate capture both the emotional reality of diagnosis and the ongoing effort to improve outcomes.
The poem pays tribute to more than a century of progress in cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, while also recognising the crucial work still ahead. Armitage highlights the dedication of researchers, clinicians, patients and charity supporters united in the mission to create a future free from cancer in Yorkshire and beyond.
Yorkshire Cancer Research hopes the poem will raise awareness, spark conversation, and honour the many voices behind the charity’s work.