Harrogate-based Yorkshire Cancer Research has paid tribute to Sir Michael Parkinson, who died last night.
Sir Michael became a patron in 2016 following his experience with prostate cancer.
He supported the charity’s aim to address inequalities in cancer diagnosis and treatment in Yorkshire after he was successfully treated.
At the time, he said:
“I believe that everyone should have an equal chance of living a long and healthy life, so I am delighted to support the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research and help them address these unacceptable inequalities.”
Sir Michael also helped with fundraising and awareness-raising.
Promoting the charity’s work.
Dr Kathryn Scott, chief executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:
“Sir Michael was a staunch supporter of equality and equity for people with cancer, no matter who they are or where they live.
“By speaking out about his own personal experience, he played an important role in both raising awareness of cancer and raising funds for vital research into the disease.”
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Yorkshire-born Sir Michael visited Harrogate many times and often made a beeline for Graveleys of Harrogate.
He once said his perfect day out in Yorkshire would involve “watching Joe Root score a century in an Ashes Test at Headingley and then a big plate of fish and chips at Graveley’s seafood restaurant in Harrogate”.
Asked to name his favourite Yorkshire restaurant in the same interview with the Northern Echo in 2017, he said it was “a toss up between Graveleys and Bettys tea room in Harrogate“.
Graveleys re-opened in Harrogate in February this year after a three-year absence.
Owner Simon Pilkington said today:
“Sir Michael was a regular visitor back in the day when Yorkshire were playing at Headingley or he was appearing in Harrogate.
“He very much kept himself to himself but chatted occasionally to my father.
“But he did love his Yorkshire fish and chips from Graveleys!”