This amazing picture of a pioneering cancer research hero tells hundreds of moving stories.
The magical mosaic of Dr Christine Dufès is composed of photographs of poignant moments cancer patients would never have seen without receiving cures or treatments.
On Monday the giant portrait will be unveiled at East London ’s Spitalfields Market. The impressive 2m square artwork is a tribute to Dr Dufès and the other unsung scientists who have saved so many lives.
French prostate cancer researcher Dr Dufès said: “Working towards a potential future treatment against cancer is what keeps me going.”
Dr Dufès is part of Worldwide Cancer Research’s innovative Curestarter community, in which the best scientists receive funding for their work in finding cures.
The charity, which states that its mission is to end all suffering caused by cancer, has spent £200million on research across the globe and £100m in the UK alone.
Get all the latest news sent to your inbox. Sign up for the free Mirror newsletter
Dr Dufès is based at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow and specialises in researching treatments for prostate cancer that has either returned or spread.
She and her team have been developing a novel “seek and destroy” drug as well as DNA carriers that target cancer cells without harming healthy ones.
The expert has now shown how using this technology in the lab against two different types of prostate tumours resulted in 70% of them vanishing over the course of a month.
She said: “During my pharmacy studies in France I worked part-time in the oncology department of a hospital and witnessed how a cancer diagnosis disrupted people’s lives.
“I realised then there was an urgent need for new therapies.
“Our knowledge of cancer has improved greatly in the last 20 years.
“We now know there’s huge variability, not just between different cancers but between patients with the same cancer, so new, more personalised treatment approaches are going to help improve survival rates.”
Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers in men, with 130 new cases diagnosed every day in the UK alone.
The researchers admit they still do not know what causes it, but they do know the risk for men increases with age and is also higher where there is a family history.
Worldwide Cancer Research, which is currently funding 80 research projects in 17 countries, will also unveil a second mosaic highlighting the work of fundraiser Adam Coulson, of East Lothian, Scotland.
He has supported the charity since losing both his parents, Dave and Elaine, to cancer.
Here the charity's community of scientists and fundraisers share photographs of their efforts to support work to find cures for cancer
Shell Rowe, 23
Shell lives with blood cancer after being diagnosed three years ago, at just 20.
A student at the University of Hertfordshire, she planned to set off to study in California for a year, when her life had to be put on hold. She was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Since her diagnosis, Shell, from Essex, has used her growing social media platforms to spread awareness and be a voice for the community – showing people that even if bad things are happening, the power is in their hands in how they choose to deal with it.
After reaching 500k followers on TikTok, Shell said: “Life is all about perspective, and I love sharing mine with you guys every day.
“Keep searching for those silver linings! Keep seizing every opportunity you get! And most importantly, keep laughing because it will see you through some terrible times, believe me!”
Nevo Burrell, 55
Image consultant Nevo Burrell runs a styling business called Nevo Concept and is passionate about making her clients look fabulous and feel great, no matter their physical condition.
After having cancer herself, the Londoner realised it was important for her business to be inclusive to “cancer thrivers”, helping them cope with the effects of diagnosis and treatment through style.
Helping them to regain confidence, Nevo – whose picture shows her speaking at one of her styling workshops – believes dressing well is a form of self-care and that it is crucial for overall wellbeing.
Victoria Robb, 34
Mum Victoria, from Edinburgh, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in January 2021.
Three weeks after surgery and only two months post-chemo, Victoria, left in a white top, ran the Scottish 10km. She had set herself the challenge as a way of getting fit again before she had any operations.
Victoria’s last surgery was on June 23 and she has just booked her biggest challenge yet – cycling 520km across Kenya in four weeks’ time.
She says: “Fitness and staying active has always been a big part of getting through my treatment and my way of staying positive.”
Melissa Fisher, 29
Melissa was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 27. She and her partner Ashley were due to get married on May 14, 2021, but had to call it off after her diagnosis shortly before.
Melissa, of Portsmouth, Hants, lost all motivation to get married as she could not see any joy in her future.
That October, after starting cognitive behavioural therapy and medication, she again began considering getting hitched but her weight and hair loss due to chemo and steroids put her off.
Ashley convinced her to book the wedding and she said it was a magical day, adding: “I’m sharing my wedding photos not only because I love them, but to give people hope.
“Hope that you will, and can, find magic in life again after being in such a dark place. You will get there eventually, even if it takes time."
Paola Marra, 52
Londoner Paola was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and colorectal cancer in 2020, which is sadly incurable.
But thanks to advances in treatment, she has been on several holidays and had special moments.
She has only just started taking photos of herself again. She said: “I used to always wear red lipstick but stopped years ago. I thought it was too much, or I should only wear it on special occasions. Since becoming stage 4, I’ve decided every day should be a special occasion.”
Rob Hale, 32
Rob believed he had long Covid symptoms until a blood test showed he had leukaemia. He was just 31.
Doctors told him if he had left his condition any longer he might not have been alive just a few weeks later.
He faced tough rounds of cancer treatment and is now in remission. As a result, Rob, of Bristol has been able to enjoy more time with his niece, also his goddaughter, born just two days after his diagnosis.
Jo Knight, 47
Jo was healthy and happy until she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 at 42. But her unwavering determination and positivity surprised her and she created an Instagram page to share her story and raise awareness of the importance of checking yourself.
Jo, of Dover, Kent, advocates normalising living ‘flat’ after having a mastectomy, encouraging others to be proud of who they are.
