MEN, women and children across the North-East are being urged to join forces and Stand Up To Cancer.

A joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, Stand Up To Cancer aims to raise money to fund vital research which will get new and better treatments to cancer patients faster.

Stand Up To Cancer took place for the first time in the UK in 2012 and raised over £8m for ground-breaking research.

This year’s Stand Up To Cancer is launching now and will build over the next few months as more and more people join the fight.

It will culminate in a live Channel Four TV fundraiser on Friday October 17 hosted by Davina McCall, Alan Carr and Dr Christian Jessen.

A week before Newcastle will be one of only 15 UK cities to host the first ever March On Cancer, on Saturday October 11.

Cancer Research UK is urging everyone in the North-East to do something to help raise money at work, school or at home. A free fundraising kit is available.

Every day 40 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North-East. By joining Stand Up To Cancer, taking part in the march or getting involved in some other way, supporters in the region will be uniting with doctors, nurses and scientists to generate funds, raise awareness and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Lisa Millett, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the North-East, said:

“In the 1970s, less than a quarter of people with cancer survived. But over the last 40 years, survival has doubled – today half will survive. But we can’t afford to stand still. Stand Up To Cancer is our chance to make history and we hope everyone across the North-East will join us.”

To get involved visit standuptocancer.org.uk