People across Greater Manchester are being encouraged to show their support for everyone affected by cancer ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4, 2016.
For the first time, Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Care, Anthony Nolan and the Movember Foundation are joining forces for World Cancer Day. Their aim is to unite Greater Manchester and the UK and help transform the lives of millions of people affected by the disease.
The charities are calling on men, women and children in the region to pick up a Unity Band and wear it with pride on February 4.
The Unity Band is made of two parts, knotted together, to represent strength in unity and the power of what can be achieved when people come together.
The Unity Bands are available from each charity in their own colours here for a suggested donation of £2. All money raised from the Unity Bands will go towards the charities’ individual research projects and support services.
Collectively the four charities support millions of people every year through their individual work in the prevention, detection, treatment and support of those affected by cancer.
Money raised from the Unity Bands will fund breakthroughs in scientific research; save and improve the lives of people with blood cancers; provide high quality care, support and information for people with breast cancer, and fund research and support services to tackle prostate and testicular cancer.
Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Greater Manchester, said: “World Cancer Day provides an opportunity for people in our region, all across the UK and beyond, to unite and show that together we can do something about cancer.
“So many of us have been affected by the disease, which is why on February 4 we are calling on the people of Greater Manchester to join together and wear their Unity Band with pride.
“Wearing a Unity Band is a simple way to show your support and be part of the generation that transforms the lives of the millions of people affected by cancer.
“We’re partnering with Breast Cancer Care, Anthony Nolan and the Movember Foundation to promote World Cancer Day this year. By working together we can make a bigger impact.
“We’re asking the people of Greater Manchester to unite with us and be a part of something momentous.
“Whatever your motivation – to remember a loved one, celebrate people who have overcome the disease, or to rally in support of those going through treatment – World Cancer Day is a chance to get involved and help reduce the impact of cancer on future generations.”
Every year, around 40,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West.*
Last year Cancer Research UK, which carries out pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, spent nearly £20million on research in Manchester and worked with The University of Manchester and The Christie Hospital to open the brand new Manchester Cancer Research Centre.
Anthony Nolan runs a cord collection centre in Manchester and last year appointed its first post-transplant nurse from Oldham to help patients in Greater Manchester after transplants.
Movember has a Centre of Excellence based in Greater Manchester, established in 2014, which brings together teams of prostate cancer researchers from both Belfast and Manchester. Their work brings leading researchers across different scientific disciplines together to tackle important unanswered questions in prostate cancer. To date the centres have recruited team of international research leaders and have already kick-started a series of projects and clinical trials.
Breast Cancer Care runs Moving Forward courses in Greater Manchester including Oldham, Salford, Wythenshawe, Stockport and Bolton for people affected by breast cancer. The free four week programme aims to provide information, support and professional guidance on how to cope with and adjust to life after treatment. Topics covered may include: healthy eating, exercise, managing menopausal symptoms, lymphoedema, cancer fatigue, intimacy and relationships, and adjusting and adapting after a diagnosis of breast cancer. The course is open to people who have had a breast cancer diagnosis within the last two years.
Alison continued: “Many of our success stories would not be possible without the commitment of all our amazing supporters, who fund each charity’s individual work into the prevention, detection, treatment and support of those with cancer.
“So we’re asking people of all ages across Greater Manchester to wear a Unity Band or make a small donation on World Cancer Day. A small action taken by many people really can make a huge difference.”
Photo: Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay are supporting World Cancer Day 2016 and encouraging people across Greater Manchester to wear a Unity Band on February 4, 2016.
