A TROUPE of dancers have been striking a pose to help give a leg up to Stand Up To Cancer, a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.

Kirstin McGuigan, 33, principal and owner of DanceMax, in Consett, is rallying people to make a stand against the disease in support of her mum Lynne McGuigan, 59, who was diagnosed and successfully treated for breast cancer.

Kirstin, a former European dance champion, said: “Mum was just 53 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine breast screening at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

“She had two lumps removed and breast reconstruction surgery. As well as daily radiotherapy for six weeks at the Freeman Hospital.

“We’re so lucky that her cancer was diagnosed early and she has celebrated her five years clear earlier this year and continues to be able to see her grandchildren grow up.”

DanceMax is a freestyle disco school. It dancers attend competitions across the country and the school holds titles such as the individual U16 starter world champion 2019 Olivia Elder, the adult team world champions 2019 and the rising stars addict scholarship winner 2019 Jake Beet. With the help of her dancers the mum-of-two to Charlie and Robyn and stepmum to Olivia, who is Under 16 world champion, is encouraging people to support life-saving research.

Stand Up To Cancer unites scientists, celebrities and communities across the UK, raising money to take developments from the lab and transform them, quickly, into brand new tests and treatments.

The campaign is supported by a host of stars including Davina McCall, Alan Carr, Maya Jama, Greg Rutherford and Joe Lycett.

By sharing her experience, Kirstin hopes to motivate everyone in the region to get involved in Stand Up To Cancer’s "Fortnight of Fundraising" from October 11 to 25.

A free fundraising pack is available full of ideas on how to help make a real difference to people diagnosed with cancer in the region, and across the UK, by raising some cancer crushing cash at work, home or school.

Kirstin said: “Success stories like my mum’s would not be possible without research. I’m so grateful for the treatment that saved her life. That’s why I’m giving my heartfelt support to this vitally important campaign."