17th October 2012

BRIDPORT: Fundraiser stands up to cancer

BRIDPORT IT consultant Mark Beed is celebrated six months of not smoking by receiving a special certificate and Stand Up 2 Cancer t-shirt at the Cancer Research UK shop in East St, Bridport.

One-in-three people in the UK will be diagnosed with the cancer at some stage in their lives.

Stand Up To Cancer aims to raise money to accelerate groundbreaking research to help more people survive and ensure more families stay together.

Backed by A-list celebrities including Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow, Stand Up To Cancer is being brought to the UK by Cancer Research UK and Channel Four.

It will unite scientists, celebrities and communities in Dorset and across the county to generate funds, raise awareness and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Mark Beed, aged 50, gave up smoking on April 1st and friends and colleagues have sponsored him to keep going.

Mark has raised £100 to beat cancer and is still receiving sponsorship. Donations can be made on www.justgiving.com/mark-beed

Mark said: “If I can give up smoking after 32 years then anyone can.

“My father died of lung cancer in 2001 and I really wanted to achieve this.

“In August my son and I climbed Snowdon which I never would have been able to do before.”

Presenting Mark with his certificate, Ros Fry, Area Volunteer Manager for Cancer Research UK, said: “Mark’s achievement is really worthwhile both to him and to the fight against cancer.

“We are calling on men, women and children across Dorset to Stand Up To Cancer by helping us raise money for vital research.

“We need them to join us and stand shoulder to shoulder in the fight against a disease which affects one in three people in the UK at some stage in their lives.”

As well as organising their own fundraising events, supporters can pop into their local Cancer Research UK shop where a wide range of striking Stand Up To Cancer T-shirts and hoodies are available in different styles for men and women.

A fun, fashionable and affordable range of accessories is also on offer, with funky watches in bold colours, pin badges, key rings and travel mugs - so there’s something for everyone.

People of all ages can also show their allegiance by purchasing a Stand Up To Cancer Wristband, available in five different colours, for just £1 each. They’re on sale in Cancer Research UK shops, Tesco and TK Maxx stores.

A host of stars from television, music and film are already supporting Stand Up To Cancer including Alan Carr, Davina McCall and Embarrassing Bodies’ Dr Christian Jessen.

A season of programmes on Channel Four is building up over a whole week, culminating in a live fundraising and entertainment extravaganza on Friday (October 19th).

For more information and to get involved visit standuptocancer.org.uk

PICTURE: Mark Beed with Ros Fry and Pat Blake, manager of Bridport’s Cancer Research UK shop