The hon. MP Simon Clarke opened his remarks by paying tribute to the late Professor Stephen Bonner, highlighting his significant contributions to healthcare in Teesside, particularly at James Cook University Hospital. He emphasised the importance of cancer screening, noting that someone in the UK receives a cancer diagnosis every 90 seconds and one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Clarke pointed out that the north-east of England has the highest age-standardised cancer rate for both men and women compared to other regions, attributing this to industrial heritage and higher smoking and obesity rates. He acknowledged the efforts of community groups like Claire Starsmore's East Cleveland Pink Ladies, who have raised over £131,000 for Cancer Research UK. Clarke highlighted the need for earlier diagnosis and treatment, referencing the new targeted lung health check programme in the Tees Valley which identifies curable cancers every two days through mobile units operating at a 97% occupancy rate. He also mentioned proposals for a new Tees Valley diagnostic hub in Stockton that aims to open this year, believing it will save more lives than any single surgeon could achieve over their career.