Cancer touches millions of lives every year. In the UK alone, more than 420,000 people are diagnosed with cancer annually, and someone receives a diagnosis at least every 90 seconds. On top of that, there are almost 3.5 million people currently living with cancer in the UK – a figure that continues to grow as survival rates improve but incidence increases with an ageing population.
In this landscape, the work of charities – both large and small – is more vital than ever. From providing practical support and comfort in local communities to driving research that changes what’s possible in diagnosis and treatment, every contribution matters. Over the past 12 months, the cardfactory Foundation has proudly donated over £54,000 to cancer charities throughout the UK, helping to fund critical services and champion those working tirelessly to make life better for people affected by cancer.
Supporting communities, connections and comfort
Many charities supported by the Foundation are deeply embedded in their communities, offering vital emotional and practical assistance:
- Ovacome is the national UK ovarian cancer charity providing support and information to anyone affected by ovarian cancer – from patients and families to healthcare professionals.
- Giddos Gift focuses on improving the lives of teenagers and young adults living with cancer in the North West and North Wale.
- The Cancer Club uses sport and social connection to bring men living with cancer together, helping ease isolation and improve wellbeing.
- Maggie’s offers a welcoming space where anyone affected by cancer can find support, whether for a moment alone or shared conversation.
- Help Harry Help Others was established to respond to the very real practical challenges that a cancer diagnosis brings – from emotional stress to financial hardship – ensuring accessible support right in the community.
- Matthew Walklin’s Make a Smile Foundation improves the comfort and welfare of patients during treatment, funding facilities, equipment, services and psychosocial support that go beyond what standard care can provide. As Chairperson Lorraine Walklin notes, the cardfactory Foundation grant is helping the charity plan and expand projects that directly bring more smiles to patients.
- Children’s Leukaemia Association adds another vital layer of support, helping children and families facing a leukaemia diagnosis by providing emotional, practical and financial assistance during an incredibly challenging time.
These organisations demonstrate the power of community-driven work – support that is personal, tangible and deeply human.
Backing research and national impact
Alongside grassroots efforts, the Foundation has also supported charities with national and global impact:
- Macmillan Cancer Support, whose mission is to help people with cancer live life as fully as they can, provides expert support, guidance and practical help to hundreds of thousands of people each year.
- Cancer Research UK leads efforts to save lives through world-class research, advocacy, and information.
- Prostate Cancer UK focuses on awareness, support and research into the most common cancer in men, with a particular emphasis on understanding risk variations and improving outcomes.
- CoppaFeel! empowers young people across the UK to check their breasts regularly and spot signs early — a simple step that can be life-saving.
- The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity is revolutionising cancer treatment through ground breaking research. sees world‑leading experts developing new and more effective cancer treatments.
By supporting both ends of the spectrum – comfort and care on the ground, and research and awareness at scale – the Foundation helps address cancer’s complex challenges on multiple fronts.
Fueling fundraising and engagement through the Foundation’s funds
Two key current Foundation funds have made this work possible:
- The Local Community Fund awards grants to charities nominated by colleagues and external supporters, helping local organisations expand their reach and impact.
- The Match Giving Fund boosts the power of colleague-led fundraising efforts by matching every pound they raise through personal endeavours, from sponsored runs and head shaves to bake sales and more.
This approach helps magnify individual passion and turn it into collective impact.
Awareness, action and hope
Globally, campaigns like February’s World Cancer Day, led by the Union for International Cancer Control, mobilise communities to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and promote prevention.
In the UK, initiatives are underway to improve cancer outcomes even further. Recent announcements from health policymakers have set ambitious goals to increase survival rates, including plans aiming for three-quarters of cancer patients to be living well five years after diagnosis by 2035.
At the same time, evidence suggests that a significant proportion of cancer cases could be prevented through early detection, reinforcing the importance of awareness, screening and support services that charities champion.
Looking ahead with purpose
The cardfactory Foundation is committed to building on the momentum of the past year. With over £54,000 already donated to cancer charities and more on the horizon, the Foundation’s work is a testament to the difference that thoughtful, coordinated support can make across the UK.
From community centres and support lines to cutting-edge research labs, every grant helps people facing cancer feel seen, supported and stronger together. It’s not just about funding, it’s about hope, connection, resilience and the belief that when we unite behind a cause, lives can change.
