A COLLECTION consisting of hundreds of photographs of people whose lives have affected by cancer is being displayed at Edinburgh Waverley station – forming mosaics of “Curestarters”.
The collage of photographs has been curated by Edinburgh-based charity Worldwide Cancer Research.
Around 750 images were submitted as part of the campaign recognising the work of “Curestarters” - those who contribute to the discovery of new cancer treatments and cures.
The artwork shines a light on pioneering research, which is helping to save lives each day, marking moments which may never have taken place if it wasn't for a cancer treatment or cure.
Featuring occasions including birthdays, weddings, graduations and anniversaries, the exhibition offers a glimpse at a wide number of moments that may not have been possible if it hadn’t been for advances in cancer research and treatment.
The pictures form two giant mosaics of Dr Christine Dufès and Adam Coulson.
Dr Dufès is a scientist studying how prostate cancer responds to treatment. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, with 130 new cases diagnosed every day in the UK alone.
Colson lost his parents, nine years apart, to cancer. Now a dad himself, he is an advocate for Worldwide Cancer Research to help fund critical developments in cancer treatments.
Worldwide Cancer Research is the only charity in the UK that solely funds discovery research – the very first step of the research process.
Before clinical trials, lifesaving drugs and treatments, there are ideas that the charity believes could lead to new discoveries.
Last month, the charity announced it was putting £5.3 million towards global cancer research projects, spanning 25 projects in 12 different countries.
Dr Helen Rippon, chief executive of Worldwide Cancer Research, said: “Together this community of Curestarters are bringing us one step closer to the next breakthrough which will ultimately save more lives “Our Curestarters continue to be inspired by these achievements as well as those who are unfortunately no longer with us, collectively working tirelessly towards our ambition of eradicating cancer once and for all”
One of the people featured in the photographs is Victoria Robb, a 34-year-old mother from Edinburgh who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in January 2021. She was diagnosed with cancer after discovering a lump in her breast.
Before surgery, Robb set herself a challenge to help get her through the operation and back to fitness as quickly as possible.
Three weeks post-surgery and two months post-chemo, she ran the Scottish 10km. Robb’s final surgery was on June 23, 2022, and she’s booked her biggest challenge yet, cycling 520km across Kenya in this month.
The artwork will be available to view for three weeks.
