Making '¨a splash for '¨cancer funds

For the last four years, staff and volunteers from the Cancer Research UK shop in Blackpool’s Talbot Road – as well as their family and friends – have taken the plunge in aid of Cancer Research.

And this year was no different.

They donned fancy dress and bright pink and orange outfits and braved slashing about in the cold Blackpool sea just off the Tower Headland, as part of Stand Up To Cancer – a national fundraising campaign run by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.

They estimate they will have raised close to £700 when all the sponsorship money is collected.

A similar chilly dip took place at the same time in Cleveleys, including workers and volunteers from the charity’s shop in the town.

Debbie Cox, manager of the Talbot Road shop, said the latest annual big dip had been a splashing good way to help raise funds.

She said: “There was more than 20 taking part.

“We had friends and family come from all over the country to join us, which was lovely – people from Worcester, Wigan, Leeds.

“We had a really great mix of ages taking part, aged from four to 80!

“It was a bit nippy, but once you get over the initial shock of the cold hitting you, you get used to it.

“Some of them just braved it and dived right in.

“We splashed around for about five or 10 minutes.

“It was pretty chilly walking back all dripping wet.

“People could have followed our footsteps back to the shop.

“It was their first time doing it at the Cleveleys shop and they did well and enjoyed it too.

“We had a good time, it’s all great fun and we always enjoy it.

“Now we can look forward to planning next year’s.

“It’s a very important cause to us all.

“I’ve worked at the shop for nearly six years and during that time I’ve seen people affected by cancer.

“Cancer doesn’t discriminate.

“Many staff and volunteers at our store have friends and family who have been affected by the disease, so it is a cause very close to all our hearts.

“We’re determined to do all we can to raise money and help fund life-saving cancer research.”

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.

Local residents are being asked to don bright orange clothing this month and help the fundraising efforts.

Cancer Research UK is urging people in the area to get started right now and sign up for their free fundraising pack which includes everything supporters need.

Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK spokesman for Blackpool and the Fylde coast, said: “We’d like to thank Debbie and her team mates for standing out in the fight against cancer.

“From bright orange trousers and ties, to tutus and T-shirts, we’re asking men, women and children from across the Fylde coast to stand out in style this October and help raise crucial funds for life-saving research.

“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.

“With support from the people of Blackpool and the Fylde coast, 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 October 21, with a night of live TV on Channel 4.

• Visit www.standuptocancer.org.uk