To mark World Cancer Day on 4 February intu Metrocentre and intu Eldon Square are helping Cancer Research UK raise funds, increase awareness and inform shoppers about the life-changing research that takes place here in the north east.
In the run up to World Cancer Day visitors to both shopping centres will have the opportunity to fund life-saving research by donating £2 for a Cancer Research UK Unity Band.
The Unity Bands, available from customer services, feature a classic reef knot design to symbolise the strength of people coming together to unite against cancer and can be worn in memory of a loved one, to celebrate people who’ve overcome the disease or in support of those going through treatment.
On Saturday 3 February at intu Metrocentre a Cancer Research UK stand will be situated in Exhibition Square, near Primark, where visitors will have the chance to talk to three specialist nurses on a range of topics including quitting smoking, keeping a healthy weight, questions about their cancer risk or signposting to organisations that can help.
Shoppers will have the opportunity to find out about research taking place right here in the north east, including the Newcastle laboratory’s development of a new drug to treat ovarian cancer.
Nicknamed the Geordie Cancer Drug, it’s taken 27 years to be developed from lab bench to bedside. Donors in the north east have been crucial to its development, so, while in centre, the team from Cancer Research UK will have the chance to not only explain why it’s so important, but to thank generous Geordies for their long-term support.
Visitors to both shopping centres will be treated to an appearance by the 99th Garrison – they will be roaming the malls of intu Eldon Square on Saturday 3 February and intu Metrocentre on Sunday 4 February, raising funds for Cancer Research UK.
intu Metrocentre’s very own Metrognome, Maggot, will also be getting into the fundraising spirit on Saturday 3 February encouraging shoppers to dig deep for a very worthwhile cause.
Clare Cannon, community manager, intu north east, commented:
“World Cancer Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness of cancer and to promote its prevention, detection and treatment. We’re delighted to support the work carried out by Cancer Research UK and having the stand at intu Metrocentre is a fantastic way for visitors to access practical information and talk to experienced nurses.
“The funds raised will support thousands of scientists, doctors and nurses to accelerate progress in the fight against over 200 types of cancer. We hope all of our generous shoppers get behind World Cancer Day, wear a Unity Band and help beat cancer sooner.”
Sam McAllister at Cancer Research UK said:
“Cancer Research UK’s pioneering research has helped save millions of lives. But there’s still much more to do, so this World Cancer Day we’re urging the public to donate and wear a Unity Band. More Unity Bands mean more research and more cures.”