Labour MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, Gerald Jones, has committed his support to help Cancer Research UK save more lives across Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency and across the UK.

Gerald was happy to attend parliamentary event held by Cancer Research UK in Westminster last week to find out how he can keep cancer at the top of the new Parliament’s agenda. Gerald has been a strong supporter of Cancer charities since becoming an MP in 2015.

Over the course of this Parliament, two million people will be diagnosed with cancer across the UK, so Cancer Research UK needs political support in order to continue to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Cancer survival in the UK is still lagging behind other countries and too many cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when they are harder to treat successfully.

At the event Gerald met some of Cancer Research UK’s dedicated volunteer Campaign Ambassadors. He found out how many people in the constituency are diagnosed with cancer each year, underlining the need for MPs to join the fight against the disease.

He said:

We must not underestimate the devastating impact cancer will have on people throughout Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney now and in the future, so it gives me hope to hear that Cancer Research UK’s pioneering research is turning the tables on the disease.

The outlook for new and better cancer treatments in the UK is bright. However, it is clear that there is a critical role for politicians to play in helping to prevent and detect cancer earlier and bring innovative new treatments to patients faster.

Since first becoming an MP in 2015 I’ve supported Cancer Research UK in their mission to beat cancer, and I hope to continue in the same vein in this parliament.”

Matt Davies, Cancer Research UK’s Head of Public Affairs and Campaigning said: “At Cancer Research UK, we’re resolute in our ambition to see 3 in 4 patients surviving cancer by 2034. To achieve this we need cancer at the top of the political agenda and so we’re grateful to Gerald Jones MP for helping to highlight the importance of research and action in beating the disease.

“Creating the right environment for cancer research alongside cancer prevention, early diagnosis and ensuring patients have access to the best possible treatments must be key priorities for the new Government.”

 For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 0300 123 1022 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.