Sarah Craig, a Trustee of the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee, has now joined the Board of the Ninewells Cancer Campaign, further strengthening the long‑standing relationship between the Trades and the campaign.

The Ninewells Cancer Campaign relaunched today with the Rees Memorial Lecture, where Professor Vassilis Gorgoulis delivered a fascinating talk on decoding cellular senescence in health and disease — a reminder of just how rapidly this field is advancing.

Cellular senescence is a natural process in which cells permanently stop dividing in response to stress or damage. In the short term, this acts as a protective mechanism, preventing damaged cells from turning cancerous. But when senescent cells accumulate, they can contribute to ageing and chronic disease by releasing inflammatory signals that affect surrounding tissues. Understanding how this process works — and how to control it — is opening up major new possibilities in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

The Ninewells Cancer Campaign exists to support exactly this kind of pioneering research. Established to raise funds for cancer research, treatment and patient support at Ninewells Hospital and the University of Dundee, the campaign helps ensure that scientists have the resources they need to pursue breakthrough discoveries, clinicians can access cutting‑edge equipment, and patients benefit from the highest standards of care. Its work has played a vital role in keeping Dundee at the forefront of global cancer innovation.

A celebration cake marking the relaunch was cut by fellow Board member Fred MacAulay. Warm thanks go to Martin Goodfellow of Goodfellow and Steven, a member of the Baker Craft of the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee, for generously donating the cake.

Board members were also given a tour of the labs at the Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, where they had the chance to speak directly with patients, scientists and students. It was a powerful insight into the groundbreaking work happening here in Dundee.

Dundee continues to be at the forefront of cancer research, but continued progress depends on sustained support. If you would like to donate or raise funds to help drive this vital work forward, please do get in touch with Sarah.