Enoch Kanagaraj BEM, a dedicated Seventh-day Adventist and founder and CEO of One Vision charity, was honoured to participate in a pivotal national consultation event shaping England’s new 10-year National Cancer Plan. The event was hosted at etc. venues Prospero House, Southbank, on 19 May by Macmillan Cancer Support in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care. The event brought together influential voices across sectors to help reimagine cancer care and address persistent health inequalities.
As a committed church member of the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and an active contributor within both the faith and voluntary sectors, Enoch used the opportunity to spotlight the vital role faith communities play in supporting cancer prevention, education, and care – particularly among underserved and ethnically diverse populations.
“It was a privilege to bring the voice of our Church and our communities to this important national platform,” Enoch shared. “Faith spaces are more than houses of worship – they are trusted hubs where prevention, education, and compassionate support can take root. Our collaboration with Macmillan has already shown the power of partnership between faith and health.”
The event also featured key leaders, including Gemma Peters, Chief Executive Officer of Macmillan Cancer Support, whose commitment to inclusive care and community engagement was felt throughout the consultation.
England’s 10-Year National Cancer Plan forms part of the broader governmental 10-Year Health Plan (10YHP), which envisions transforming the NHS through three major shifts:
· From illness to prevention
· From hospital to community
· From analogue to digital
This framework aligns closely with the Adventist Church’s longstanding emphasis on holistic wellbeing and preventive care. Enoch’s contribution highlighted the Church’s practical experience in delivering health education and outreach directly to local communities through churches and grassroots partnerships.
A key focus of the consultation was the Children and Young People’s (CYP) Cancer Taskforce, launched in February 2025, which aims to improve outcomes and care experiences for younger cancer patients. One Vision welcomed this initiative, having long advocated for culturally sensitive, family-centred approaches to care and education.
Pastor Eglan Brooks, President of the British Union Conference, affirmed the Church’s support and praised Enoch’s engagement:
“We are incredibly proud of Enoch’s work and his invitation to be part of such a significant national conversation. His contribution reflects our Adventist values of health, service, and outreach. It is encouraging to see faith communities acknowledged as vital partners in shaping inclusive and equitable healthcare for all.”
Throughout the consultation, themes such as early diagnosis, access to treatment, and enhancing patient experiences were explored. Enoch called for stronger partnerships between statutory services and trusted faith institutions to ensure that care is inclusive, culturally responsive, and attentive to the whole person – body, mind, and spirit.
This involvement reflects the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s ongoing commitment to public health reform, social justice, and promoting holistic wellbeing in the UK and beyond.