Supporters and volunteers of Cancer Research UK in Bridport were thanked for their efforts with tea, cake and a visit from a research scientist.

Dr Hayley Frend of Cancer Research UK, who is originally from Dorset, aimed to show supporters exactly what their money raised or volunteering time goes towards in a presentation at the Bridport store last Thursday.

Dr Frend spoke about new research in medical imaging and technology, and explained how these are helping scientists make advances in cancer research that will help save lives.

She was joined by Ros Fry, legacy manager at the charity, who spoke about the charity’s free will service and the impact made by leaving a gift to Cancer Research UK in a will.

Welcoming supporters at the event, Bridport store manager Pat Blake said: “This thank you tea aims to tell a little bit about what we do with the money raised and where your money is spent.

“Six years ago the chances of surviving cancer were one in four, now they are two in four and our aim at Cancer Research UK is that by 2020 that number will be three in four people surviving cancer.”

Dr Frend, who studied at Nottingham University before completing a PHD at Cambridge, now works in London as a scientist for the charity.

In a presentation at the store to approximately 20 supporters and volunteers, she said: “I wanted to give you a glimpse of what your support makes. Medical imaging began in 1895 with the discovery of the x-ray, but technology has come a long way since then and through different imaging techniques we are now able to see soft tissue organs, individual cells and even what is inside them.”

Showing a CT scan to the room, she added: “Size isn’t everything when it comes to cancer; a new type of scan shows how much energy one part of the body is using and is helping scientists discover treatments that will save lives.

“While MRI scanners allow us to see bones and soft tissues, new diffusion tensor imaging allows us to see individual nerve fibres which is invaluable information.

“And dual source scanning can even show the blood flow of the body, and as blood vessels grow around cancer tumours this is already proving incredibly helpful.

“If cancer research continues as it is, the future is already looking brighter.”

After the event, shop manager Pat Blake told the Echo: “I’m delighted we could have someone with such expertise and knowledge come and talk to our supporters and volunteers.”

For more details visit cancerre searchuk.org or call the charity’s specialist nurses on 0808 800 4040.