Scientist's dedication to charity earns national praise

21 Jul 2016

A Manchester scientist has received a national award from Cancer Research UK in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the cause

The charity’s annual Flame of Hope Awards acknowledge remarkable efforts in fundraising and volunteering made by people from all walks of life.

Dr Allan Jordan, who grew up in Whitworth, Rochdale, and now lives in Macclesfield, scooped the Research Engagement Award, beating off stiff competition from across the UK.

The dad-of-two, who is Head of Chemistry at the Drug Discovery Unit at Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, based at The University of Manchester, picked up the award at a special ceremony in London hosted by Cancer Research UK’s Chairman, Michael Pragnell. 

An audience at the Merchant Taylors Hall, heard how he had shown exceptional dedication to Cancer Research UK by raising awareness of his scientific research to an estimated 830,000 supporters over the past six years.

The scientist, who attended Whitworth High School before joining Rochdale Technical College, now Hopwood Hall College, regularly gives up his spare time to speak at local fundraisers committee meetings, charity galas, conferences, science festivals, school visits and open days. He also hosts numerous lab tours and publicises the work of the charity through social media, radio and TV. 

Dr Jordan’s work is focussed on helping to develop the ground-breaking new cancer medicines of tomorrow and the team in the Drug Discovery Unit are actively investigating new treatments for a wide variety of cancers, such as lung cancer, working alongside a variety of collaborators around the world to help accelerate progress to deliver those vital new drugs. 

Understanding the value and benefit of the research conducted in Cancer Research UK’s laboratories across the country, Dr Jordan is also a dedicated Cancer Research UK fundraiser  and has even been known to enter fun runs in fancy dress outfits, from his lab coat through to a full pink gorilla costume which he donned for the Manchester 10k last year. 

Dr Jordan said: “It's fantastic to have the opportunity to share our work with our fabulous supporters, explaining the work we do in an accessible way so they can not only understand it, but feel empowered to share those messages too. I’m absolutely delighted to receive this award, which I believe also recognises the hard work of all the Cancer Research UK scientists – it is, after all, their work I’m lucky enough to be able to talk about.”

Sir Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK Chief Executive, said: “Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and has set ambitious plans and aspirations for the future.

“However, progress is only made possible thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters, without whom we would not be able to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses.

“Our Flame of Hope Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to these enormously generous volunteers and supporters for the fantastic work they do.”

Over the last 40 years, survival has doubled – today half of people with cancer will survive their disease for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to ensure that by 2034, three-quarters of people in Greater Manchester survive their disease for 10 years or more after a cancer diagnosis.

Sarah Peach, Cancer Research UK Regional Manager for the North West, said: “Every step we make towards beating cancer sooner relies on every pound, every hour and every person.

“These awards are our way of honouring incredible people like Dr Jordan who give their time not only to do important research but to promote greater awareness of the disease and the important work being done in Manchester among community groups from the city and surrounding areas.

“Dr Jordan shares information about the research happening in Manchester and takes a genuine interest in supporters’ fundraising. He has the ability to make complicated science understandable tailoring his talks to his audience. He consistently demonstrates enthusiasm, commitment and passion to the charity on top of his day-to-day role.”