A LYMM scientist is urging people across Warrington to back Stand Up To Cancer, a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.
Emma Fairweather, 27, a bioscientist, who lives in Lymm, and her colleagues at the Drug Discovery Unit, based at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, part of The University of Manchester in Withington, are preparing to take on a 10k Bear Grylls Survival Race at Tatton Park this Saturday (24 September.)
Emma, 27,is part of a team of scientists playing an important role in helping develop new drugs to treat cancer patients.
She and her team mates will tackle more than 20 obstacles and challenges during the sponsored event – one of a number of activities which people can take part in to raise funds for Stand Up To Cancer.
Emma has also held a bake sale with her colleagues to raise funds.
Launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has already raised more than £25million to fund translational research, which takes developments from the lab and transforms them into new tests and treatments for cancer patients. It supports research and clinical trials happening in Manchester and the North West as well as other parts of the UK.
Every day, 110 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West.* By joining Stand Up To Cancer, supporters in Warrington and Cheshire will be uniting with doctors, nurses, scientists and celebrities to generate funds, raise awareness and help accelerate progress in life-saving cancer research.
Supported by a host of celebrities, including Davina McCall and Alan Carr, this year’s campaign culminates on Friday 21 October with a night of live TV on Channel 4 led by the brightest stars in film, TV and music.
In the run up to the night of fundraising, supporters across the North West are being urged to fundraise by taking part in a sponsored event like the Bear Grylls Survival challenge, holding a bake sale or being sponsored to wear bright orange clothing to stand out for Stand Up To Cancer for a day.
Emma said: “As scientists, we know how important it is to fund this research and that’s why we wanted to show our support. The Bear Grylls 10k survival challenge will put us all through our paces but it’s sure to be a fun day for all involved.
“As a team, the Drug Discovery Unit from the CRUK Manchester Institute, is hoping to raise over £1,000.”
Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK’s North West spokesperson, said: “We’d like to thank Emma and her colleagues for taking on this fundraising challenge.
“This year, there are many ways to Stand Up To Cancer and show your support. Cancer Research UK is calling on everyone in the North West to take a stand and do something to help raise money.
“From signing up to the Bear Grylls challenge at Tatton Park to doing a challenge at work, school or at home, from fancy dress days and sponsored silences to bake sales and open mic nights.
“One in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lives. Cancer doesn’t discriminate. Whether it’s you or someone you know, it leaves its mark on us all.
“So the time to act is now. We’re on the brink of a revolution in cancer research –thanks to new treatments, screening and earlier diagnosis, more people are surviving the disease than ever before. But we can’t afford to stand still. It’s time to rebel against cancer, raise money and save lives. Research is our weapon against this terrible disease and we’re calling on an army of supporters in Warrington and Cheshire to stand up to cancer and show their support.”
People across Cheshire can also show their support for the campaign in style as a fun range of clothing and accessories for men, women and children is available online at standuptocancer.org.uk
To sponsor the Manchester scientists and their team mates, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/DrugDiscoveryUnit
