STAFF on the clinical trials unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle have swapped their normal uniforms for bright orange tutus and stripy socks – to encourage people across the city to raise money for Stand Up To Cancer.
From nurses to unit managers to health care assistants staff across the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, who work on different phases of cancer trials, have all mixed up their normal work attire with orange to help get people to follow their lead and raise cash for game-changing research into cancer.
The trials unit is based in the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital and its job is to deliver clinical trials for cancer drugs, including those developed by Cancer Research UK, to patients.
Stand Up To Cancer is a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 which aims to get new pioneering tests and treatments to cancer patients, faster.
To help do that, this year people are being encouraged to ‘Get Orange-ified’ by getting sponsored to stand out in the colour orange at school, at work or with friends.
Chris Barron, Cancer Trials Unit Manager, said: “We’re delighted to show our support to Stand Up To Cancer by dressing up in orange. It’s a fun and easy way to get involved and help raise money to save more lives.
“Our team see first-hand the importance of research into new treatments for cancer patients and this campaign is helping to fund new ground-breaking therapies.
“Our ambition at the unit is not only to provide the best possible care, but to ensure that our patients have access to improved diagnosis and treatment. Stand Up To Cancer is one of the ways this can be made possible.”
Since it was launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has raised more than £38 million to fund over 40 clinical trials and research projects.
These include a groundbreaking clinical trial at the Institute of Genetic Medicine in Newcastle led by Sir John Burn, which is trying to find the best dose of aspirin to prevent cancer in people with a genetic fault.
Every day, 40 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North East.* By joining Stand Up To Cancer, supporters will be uniting with doctors, nurses, scientists and celebrities to generate funds, raise awareness and help accelerate progress.
Lisa Millett, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the North East, said: “We’d like to thank all the team on the unit for their colourful support.
“We’re asking men, women and children from across the region to Wear Orange, Pay Up and Take Cancer Out.
“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 donation helps to support this progress and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
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 continued: “1 in 2 people in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lives. Every day, doctors, nurses and scientists work tirelessly to beat cancer. Stand Up To Cancer raises money to speed up breakthroughs from the lab to patients. With support from local people, we can continue to fund vital research to get new and better treatments to cancer patients faster.”
Stand Up To Cancer is supported by a host of celebrities from TV, film and radio including Scarlett Moffatt, Davina McCall, Alan Carr, Bill Bailey, Edith Bowman and Kirstie Allsopp.
For more information and to get involved visit standuptocancer.org.uk
Scarlett Moffatt backs Stand Up To Cancer
The 2016 Queen of the Jungle, Scarlett Moffatt, is backing Stand Up to Cancer, alongside celebrities including Davina McCall, Alan Carr, Bill Bailey, Edith Bowman and Kirstie Allsopp.
Speaking about the importance of the campaign to her and her family Scarlett said: “Stand Up To Cancer is amazing and it’s a cause that’s really close to my heart. We’re very lucky in our family because my dad had skin cancer but got through it. He had to have radiotherapy and a skin graft. They cut part of the skin on his leg to stitch on to his back. He had 72 stitches but the scar is sort of a medal for him.
“We were really lucky and the people at the hospital were amazing. Thanks to cancer research, I still have my dad. Unfortunately there’s a lot of people who, sadly, have lost family and friends. Cancer is an evil thing. It preys on really innocent people. I just think that, together, we can stop it.”