Throughout the year, the charity maintained and expanded its core services, including Wigwam support groups, educational webinars, conferences, information resources, community activities and specialist wellbeing programmes. These services provided opportunities for connection, learning and empowerment at every stage of the cancer journey. Feedback from beneficiaries consistently highlighted the value of feeling heard, supported and connected with others who understood the challenges they were facing.
The year also marked the culmination of the charity's 20th Anniversary celebrations, providing an opportunity to reflect on two decades of service, innovation and impact. Since its founding, Yes to Life has played a pioneering role in advancing awareness and understanding of integrative oncology in the UK, while supporting many thousands of people affected by cancer to access information, explore supportive therapies and become informed participants in decisions about their care. The anniversary year celebrated these achievements while also helping to raise the profile of the charity and strengthen engagement with supporters, healthcare professionals, researchers and partner organisations.
A major highlight of the year was the 20th Anniversary Gala Celebration held at Kew Gardens. Bringing together supporters, healthcare professionals, practitioners and members of the wider cancer community, the event served both as a celebration of the charity's achievements and as a platform for future growth. The evening also hosted the inaugural Yes to Life Awards, recognising individuals and organisations demonstrating excellence, innovation and commitment within the field of integrative cancer care.
The Awards generated significant interest and engagement from across the sector, attracting nominations from a diverse range of practitioners, organisations and advocates. Beyond recognising outstanding contributions, the Awards helped shine a spotlight on emerging best practice, encouraged greater collaboration and strengthened awareness of the role integrative approaches can play in improving patient outcomes and quality of life. The success of the initiative reinforced Yes to Life's position as a respected leader within the field and established a strong foundation for the Awards to become a flagship annual programme.
Education remained a cornerstone of the charity's work. Through a programme of conferences, webinars and educational events, Yes to Life continued to provide accessible opportunities for people affected by cancer, healthcare professionals and supporters to learn from leading experts from the UK and around the world. The charity's established model of delivering both online and in-person conferences continued to prove highly effective, combining the accessibility and reach of digital events with the deeper connection and community fostered through face-to-face gatherings.
These educational activities explored a wide range of topics relevant to people affected by cancer, including emerging research, supportive therapies, nutrition, lifestyle approaches, emotional wellbeing and patient empowerment. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the charity continued to encourage informed dialogue and broaden understanding of integrative oncology and person-centred cancer care.
Alongside its direct support and educational activities, the charity continued to strengthen its influence within the wider cancer sector. Increasing engagement with healthcare professionals, researchers and patient advocates reflects a growing recognition of the importance of addressing the physical, emotional, psychological and social dimensions of cancer care. During the year, Yes to Life continued to contribute to national conversations about the future of cancer services, advocating for approaches that place the needs, preferences and wellbeing of patients at the centre of care.
It was particularly encouraging to see many of the principles that the charity has championed for over two decades increasingly reflected in wider discussions regarding the future of healthcare and cancer support. This growing openness towards holistic and integrative approaches creates a more favourable environment for the charity's work and offers significant opportunities to increase impact in the years ahead.
Fundraising activities during the year not only generated vital income but also helped raise awareness of the charity and its mission. A notable achievement was the successful Camino fundraising challenge, which brought together supporters in a shared effort to raise funds and awareness while demonstrating the resilience, determination and community spirit that underpin the charity's work. The initiative successfully achieved its fundraising target and engaged new audiences with the charity's mission, providing a strong foundation for future challenge events and community fundraising activities.
The charity's growing profile and credibility were further reflected in the national and international recognition it received during the year. Founder and Chair Robin Daly was awarded an MBE for services to people affected by cancer and was also recognised internationally for his contribution to advancing integrative oncology and patient-centred care. While these honours recognised Robin's personal dedication and leadership, they also reflected the increasing recognition of the wider movement towards more holistic, person-centred approaches to cancer care and the important role that Yes to Life has played in shaping and advancing this field.
Throughout the year, the Trustees remained focused on ensuring that all activities delivered meaningful public benefit and remained aligned with the charity's charitable objectives. The continued growth in engagement with the charity's services, events and resources demonstrates both the ongoing demand for its work and the trust placed in Yes to Life by the communities it serves.