People across Essex and beyond are being urged to make a date with the stars to Stand Up To Cancer today (Friday, 15 October).
As part of the joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, a thought-provoking short film has been produced featuring Buckhurst Hill-raised actor Daniel Mays to highlight the importance of ‘people power’ in saving more lives. It will be shown during the live TV show tomorrow evening.
With around 36,800 people diagnosed with cancer every year in East Anglia*, the message in the film has never been more important – now is the time to Stand Up To Cancer.
Drawing on inspirational footage from the Black Lives Matter protests and the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, the film highlights the positive change that can be achieved when humanity stands up for what it believes in.
Daniel and a host of famous faces, many of whom have lost people to the disease, appear alongside cancer patients, their loved ones and medical staff as they call upon the nation to donate to help change history and stop cancer in its tracks.
Daniel said: “Stand Up To Cancer is an incredible campaign I’m proud to be part of this year. This film shows the difference we all can make when we take a stand. Now is the time to stand up together to tackle this relentless disease. Researchers and scientists are making progress in the labs every day. Let’s keep standing with them until we can banish cancer to the history books.”
Since 2012 Stand Up To Cancer has raised more than £84 million in the UK, funding 59 clinical trials and projects involving over 19,000 cancer patients.
These include the development of new treatments that use viruses to fight cancer, clinical trials testing potentially more effective ways to deliver radiotherapy and improved surgical techniques for bowel cancer.
Michael Jarvis, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Essex, said: “Cancer can affect anyone’s life, at any time. So, we only have one option: accelerate life-saving research.
“That’s why we hope this powerful film will inspire supporters across Essex and beyond to play their part, and help shape a future where more people can spend more tomorrows with their loved ones.
“By raising vital funds, we give power to scientists who are working tirelessly to get new tests and treatments to people who need them most. If we all stand together, we can save lives.”
