An award-winning cheerleading squad from Newcastle, are kicking cancer into touch and sporting the colour orange – in a bid to crush the disease and save lives.
Northern Sparkles Cheerleading are glowing bright orange – the colour of the Stand Up To Cancer campaign – in a bid to raise awareness and encourage people to sign up for a free fundraising pack.
Stand Up To Cancer is a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, which unites scientists, celebrities and communities all over the UK.
It’s supported by a host of stars including Davina McCall, Edith Bowman, Alan Carr, Joel Dommett and Kirsty Allsopp.
This year, there are lots of different ways to get involved and help raise vital funds, including getting sponsored to wear orange at school, work or with friends.
Northern Sparkles Cheerleading, who have won many national awards to date, are leading the way by wearing orange tutus, wigs and using orange pom poms – to show their support.
Coach Alix Sales said: “We’re channelling our energy to cheer on the fight against cancer. We’re proud to show our support for Stand Up To Cancer by dressing up in orange. It’s a fun and easy way to get involved and help raise vital cash.”
The troop of 35 youngesters aged 5-18 kicked, flipped, twirled and somersaulted their support to help raise funds to speed up life-saving research.
Based at the sports centre at Kenton School, the community-run group has been going for over ten years and is now well-established on the competitive scene. Northern Sparkles Cheerleading currently has 35 girls attending, aged from five to 18, with most from Kenton, Fawdon and Gosforth.
Sarah Niblo, Chairperson added: “Stand Up To Cancer is very close to our hearts as all of us have friends and family who have been affected by the disease.
“We want to help tackle cancer head on. That’s why we hope our fans will show their incredible fighting spirit and get behind this amazing cause.”
Since it was launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has raised over £38 million to help turn breakthroughs in the lab into brand new tests and treatments for cancer patients.
Jaelithe Leigh-Brown, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the North East, said: “We’d like to thank Northern Sparkles Cheerleading for their colourful support. We hope they inspire men, women and children from across the region to get sponsored to wear orange or find their own fun way to help raise money.
“By supporting Stand Up To Cancer, they’ll be helping to fund game-changing research to transform the lives of cancer patients and their families.
Cancer Research UK is urging people in the North East to get started right now and sign up for their free fundraising pack. As well as getting sponsored to wear orange for the day, it includes a host of creative ideas to help beat cancer sooner.
People across the region 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 now, online, and in Cancer Research UK shops from late September.
Jaelithe continued: “Every hour, two people are diagnosed with cancer in the North East.* It’s time to blow the whistle on cancer and get payback for all those affected. By supporting Stand Up To Cancer, people in the region can help to ensure that one day, no-one’s life will be cut short by this devastating disease.”
This autumn Channel 4 will once again bring the brightest stars from show business together in a dedicated season of Stand Up To Cancer programming, culminating with an unforgettable night of live television on Friday, October 26.
To get involved visit standuptocancer.org.uk