Air pollution links to around eight per cent of lung cancer cases in the UK. We all need to shrink our carbon footprint. That is why we are so grateful to our corporate partners RSK and Virtus Energy. These corporate partners donate electric van support to help us travel cleaner and expand our community engagement work. The team handed over the van on Clean Air Day, which felt like perfect timing.
Why community engagement matters
Chief executive, Paula Chadwick, explains:
“Community engagement sits at the heart of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. It gets us into communities for real face-to-face conversations about lung cancer. When the subject is this sensitive, personal contact means everything.
“Lung cancer still carries stigma. People do not like talking about it. Many remain unaware of possible symptoms. Many people also hold dangerous misconceptions about who gets lung cancer.
The need to travel
Paula continues:
“To reach more people, we must travel widely. Last year, we ran events from Middlesbrough to Bournemouth. This year, we are working in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland too.”
Corporate partners donate electric van
“So we are incredibly grateful that RSK and Virtus Energy stepped in,” says Paula.
“Our corporate partners donate electric van support so we can reach even more communities. We even gave the van a name – Ernie. He will help us share life-saving information across the UK.
“We may never fully measure the impact. But I know we are saving lives.”
Expanding national reach
Over the past two years, we delivered community events in Liverpool, York, Birmingham, Manchester, Swindon and Kent. We also teamed up with NHS England to boost awareness and increase uptake of targeted lung health checks.
Partner support and added benefits
James Varney, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Virtus Energy, adds:
“Virtus Energy is a B Corp certified business that is committed to supporting organisations to deliver their sustainability commitments. We are proud to donate one of our own company vehicles to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation to assist them in reducing their carbon footprint whilst delivering their Let’s Talk About Lung Cancer roadshow events.
“In addition to the van, we are also offering electric vehicle drivers an opportunity to order an EV charger install, via the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation affiliate page, and in return a tree will be planted and £50 will be donated to the charity for each installation (offer applies to England and Wales only).”