SOME of Leicestershire's bravest cancer survivors have pledged their support for Cancer Research UK and Channel 4's new TV fundraising campaign launching this Friday (October 19).
All week Channel 4's programming has been building up to the live Stand Up To Cancer show which features a host of stars from television, music and film.
Celebrities involved include Gwyneth Paltrow, Alan Carr, Davina McCall and Embarrassing Bodies' Dr. Christian Jessen.
Keen supporters and Cancer Research UK fundraisers Jordan Lennox and Carla Constable from Leicester are backing the campaign because both their mum's survived breast cancer.
The girls both work as nursery nurses at Busy Bees Day Nursery in Meridian Park.
Jordan (20) ran Race for Life in September in memory of her nan and friend and in celebration of her mum.
Carla (19) ran in memory of her aunt and in celebration of her mum who also beat breast cancer.
And Natasha Jackson from Beaumont Leys is backing the campaign for her mum Jayne, who was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour nine months ago.
Natasha (25) also ran Race for Life for her mum who's rare, slow growing brain tumour has now spread to her lungs.
She said she is really keen to support the campaign.
And Phil and Naomi Tunstall are also Standing Up To Cancer to celebrate their sister's survival.
Megan had cancer aged two - she's now 24.
Phil (27) – a biology student at Exeter University – volunteered at Race for Life in Western park this September while his sisters both ran.
His sister Megan, who lives in Ullesthorpe near Lutterworth, had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
She ran Race for Life with her sister Naomi (16) – a journalism student in Hinckley.
According to Cancer Research UK figures, every hour, around three people are diagnosed with cancer in the East Midlands.
Stand Up To Cancer is aiming to raise money to boost research and help more people survive.
There are lots of ways to get involved.
A free fundraising pack is available and supporters can also buy merchandise including T-shirts, hoodies, watches, key rings and travel mugs.
Wristbands are also available at Cancer Research UK shops, Tesco and TK Maxx stores.
Paula Young, Cancer Research UK's spokesperson for Leicestershire, said: "We are calling on everyone in the region to unite with people across the UK and stand up to this devastating disease.
"One in three people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Thanks to the incredible progress that's been made in the last 40 years, more people are surviving than ever before. But there's still so much more to do. It's not just technology or knowledge that we need to win our fight to beat cancer – it's funding.
"We are entering a 'golden age' of cancer research and every pound we raise takes us a step closer to achieving our goal to beat this disease. By boosting funding right now, the best research teams will be able to develop new treatments, bring cures faster and save more lives."
Stand Up To Cancer the live TV show starts at 7.30pm on Channel 4 this Friday.
For more information and to get involved visit standuptocancer.org.uk
