HUNDREDS of people across the region affected by cancer have been remembered and celebrated as part of a Christmas campaign led by Yorkshire Cancer Research.

The ‘Yorkshire Stars’ campaign has seen more than 500 stars dedicated in tribute to loved ones who have survived or sadly lost their lives to the disease.

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “The Yorkshire Stars campaign is about raising awareness of the burden of cancer across the county and shining a light on how we as a charity are helping those with cancer right here in Yorkshire.”

To mark the campaign, Christmas carols were performed by the Skelldale Singers outside the charity’s Ripon Shop in The Arcade.

Cllr Eamon Parkin, Mayor of Ripon, was also invited to view the stars on display in the shop.

He said: “By placing a star on the tree, and celebrating and remembering their loved ones, people are helping to support and be part of the charity at a really significant time of year.”

The campaign was launched in November with a projection of stars on the west front of Ripon Cathedral.

People across Yorkshire were invited to dedicate a star in celebration of those who have recovered from cancer, in recognition of those living with cancer, in tribute to those who care for people with cancer, or to remember those who have lost their lives to cancer.

Hundreds of people have been dedicating their Yorkshire Stars with personal messages, decorations, and photographs of their loved ones.

Each star has been featured on an online ‘Yorkshire Stars’ Christmas tree which is being hosted upon the charity’s website, in addition to being displayed on a real tree at the Ripon shop.

Jenny Moss, who has been a member of Yorkshire Cancer Research’s Ripon Volunteer Group for more than three decades, dedicated a star to her friend of 20-years, Julie, who recently died of cancer.

Jenny said: "She would have liked to imagine that the charity was thinking of her right now, so she will go on the tree.”

Jenny, who has herself been diagnosed with and successfully treated for breast cancer three times, continued: “My husband passed away from cancer 35-years-ago, and the following year I started volunteering.

“So many people have said to me ‘when will we cure cancer?’ but we’re finding cures all the time. "People are receiving treatments today that they wouldn’t have had 30-years-ago.

"It’s because of this that I want to continue supporting Yorkshire Cancer Research.

"I know the charity is saving lives in our region today, and I want this to continue well into the future so many more people can be cured.”

After Christmas all dedications will continue to be welcomed at the shop and online.