Sarcoma UK
The brief.
Sarcoma is a rare and complex cancer, accounting for just over one per cent of diagnoses in the UK every year.
The charity Sarcoma UK therefore wanted a definitive picture of current treatment across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: what works well, and where improvements are still needed.
They commissioned True North to run the largest inquiry of its kind ever undertaken, gathering evidence from more than 400 people - patients, families, clinicians, researchers and policy-makers - over six months.
True North Senior Advisors Andrew Liddle and Eilidh Whiteford were tasked with leading the evidence-gathering process and producing the final report, ‘Unique Among Cancers: a state of the nation review of sarcoma treatment and services across the UK’.
Our solution.
Inclusive and evidence-driven
We recognised that placing lived experience at the heart of our process would make the report more impactful. People affected by sarcoma and their families submitted written and verbal testimony alongside healthcare professionals, academics and government.
Insight to influence
We analysed hundreds of submissions to identify themes and best practice, creating 16 realistic recommendations for improvements grounded in evidence and True North’s political insight.
Strategic political engagement
We understood that creating a strong, evidence-based report was not enough – we needed to leverage True North’s political network to secure government buy-in and make change happen.
The result.
By combining rigorous evidence-gathering, clear strategic insight and political savvy, True North helped Sarcoma UK turn an under-researched rare cancer into a high-priority agenda item. The 16 recommendations offer a roadmap for change - and governments are now committed to action.
True North’s work with Sarcoma UK achieved impact across three fronts:
1. Political traction
True North secured public commitments from both the UK and Scottish governments to review the report’s recommendations.
2. High-profile launch
True North organised a report launch in the House of Commons with Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting, alongside dozens of other MPs, Peers and advisors.
3. Media coverage
True North delivered significant media coverage for the report, spanning national and regional newspapers and broadcast outlets across the UK.
What the client said.
“The Unique Among Cancers report is a significant piece of work for our charity that will make a tangible difference to people affected by sarcoma.
“True North played a vital role in delivering it from the outset, managing everything from the evidence-gathering process to the design of the report itself.
“Andrew and Eilidh’s political insight and network also played a key role in securing government buy-in for the report and its recommendations, as well as the attendance of key stakeholders such as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care at our launch.
“I would highly recommend True North to any organisation looking for research, writing, design and political nous that delivers real results.”
Richard Davidson, CEO, Sarcoma UK
Build a campaign with True North.
Our experts make change happen, securing the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Political Insight
True North will connect you with the right political leaders and policymakers to ensure your ambitions and concerns are not just heard but listened to and understood.
Public Relations
With a wealth of contacts from across politics, industry and the media, True North will make sure you are connected to the right people at the right time.
Content creation
True North's content studio provides full design support to ensure your campaign has impact. Our content team can also capture video content to amplify your impact.
Media Engagement
Our advisors foster strong relationships with key journalists throughout the UK and can raise awareness of your campaign with the right people in the media.
Let's chat.
If you are planning a campaign and require some support, we would love to hear from you.