MEMBERS OF the Newcastle cancer research community are swapping their traditional ‘white’ lab coats for striking orange attire to raise awareness for Stand Up To Cancer.
In contrast to their usual uniform, researchers (pictured L-R) Rosie Jackson, Dr Natalie Tatum, Huw Thomas, Suzanne Kyle and Richard Noble have been donning bright orange clothing as an act of clothing rebellion as part of Stand Up To Cancer’s ‘stand out’ challenge.
Professionals who wear a uniform as well as schools, offices, friends and individuals, are being invited to get sponsored to wear a ‘stand out’ item of orange for the day and help raise money for vital research.
A joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, Stand Up To Cancer aims to raise money to fund translational research, which takes developments in the lab and transforms them into brand new tests and treatments for cancer patients.
The researchers, who all work in the Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Claremont Road, are urging men, women and children to join forces this October and tackle the challenge together, for an outstanding day of fundraising.
Rosie Jackson, who is a Cancer Research UK funded PhD student at the centre, said: “We had great fun mixing up our traditional whites with startling orange wigs, socks and tutus. We definitely made our colleagues look twice across the lab and take notice!
“We’re urging everyone to make a stand out effort for Stand Up To Cancer. It’s time to make a break from the norm by adding a splash of orange to your work wear for the day. It’s a really fun and easy way to support Stand Up To Cancer and help raise money to save more lives, more quickly.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate. This is a cause very close to our hearts. Not only are we working to find a cure, but many members of our research community have been affected themselves or have friends and family who have been affected by the disease. So we’re determined to do all that we can to raise money and help fund life-saving cancer research.”
Every day, 43 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North East.* By joining Stand Up To Cancer, supporters in Newcastle will be uniting with doctors, nurses, scientists and celebrities to generate funds, raise awareness and help accelerate progress in life-saving cancer research.
This year, there are many ways to Stand Up To Cancer and show support. Cancer Research UK is urging people in the region to get started right now and sign up for their free fundraising pack which includes everything supporters need to spark creative ideas and help beat cancer sooner.
Lisa Millett, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the North East, said: “We’d like to thank Rosie and the other researchers for standing out in the fight against cancer.
“From bright orange trousers and ties, to tutus and t-shirts, we’re asking people from across the region to make a stand out effort and stand out in style this October and help raise crucial funds for life-saving research.
“By supporting Stand Up To Cancer, they’ll be helping to raise money and transform the lives of cancer patients and their families. All supporters need to do is simply pull on a bright orange item of clothing and get sponsored or make a donation for wearing it.”
Stand Up To Cancer aims to accelerate the translation of brilliant scientific discoveries into innovative cancer medicine, tests and treatments. Every pound raised will help to support this progress and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
Launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has already raised more than £25million.
Lisa continued: “One in two people in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lives and there’s still much more to do to ensure no-one’s life is cut short by this devastating disease.
“Stand Up To Cancer raises money to speed up breakthroughs from the lab to the patients who need them right now. With support we can continue to fund vital research to get new and better treatments to cancer patients faster. It’s time to join the rebellion against cancer. Stand up, stand out and help save lives.”
Stand Up To Cancer is 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.
People across the city 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
The range includes special edition Henry Holland designed t-shirts (£9.99) hoodies (£25) pin badges (£1) wristbands (£0.99) digital watches (£2.49) and umbrellas (£2.99).
For more information and to get involved visit standuptocancer.org.uk