The Education Secretary and Surrey Heath MP is backing a striking new campaign from Cancer Research UK which aims to help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
Every hour, nearly five people in the South East are diagnosed with cancer*, that’s more than 42,000 a year. Predictions show the number of people with cancer in the UK is set to rise steeply by 2030.
So Cancer Research UK has launched an inspiring advertising campaign to attract more support and accelerate groundbreaking research. The campaign features a series of TV, radio, and print adverts, as well as billboards across the UK, which carry the bold message: “One day we will beat cancer. Help us make it sooner.”
It’s an appeal that the MP wholeheartedly supports, so he teamed up with Cancer Research UK to help highlight the power of research in beating the disease and recruit local people to the cause.
He said: “Cancer Research UK does an incredible job in the fight against cancer, but they could not do it without the support and dedication of all their volunteers.
I was delighted to meet the staff and volunteers at the Camberley branch on Friday and to learn more about the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.”
“Research is cancer’s number one enemy and it is people like the dedicated volunteers I met at the shop, who are enabling the charity’s doctors and scientists to keep making huge advances in the battle against the disease.
“While more of us will be diagnosed with cancer in future, there is good news. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK’s work is helping to ensure more men, women and children survive the disease.
“That’s why I’m calling on the local community to back this vitally important campaign and help Cancer Research UK to beat cancer sooner.”
Mr Gove is encouraging people to support the charity by donating or buying from the shop, volunteering for a few hours a week, or by signing up for a fundraising or sporting challenge.
Shop manager, Sarah Hayward, said: “Every step we make towards beating cancer relies on every pound, every hour and every person, so we hope people in and around Camberley will really get behind this campaign.
“In particular, we’re looking for new volunteers in the shop and of course we’re always looking for people to donate more unwanted items.
“It’s great to have Mr Gove’s support with raising awareness, as there’s still so much more we need to do to ensure no-one’s life is cut short by cancer. But by boosting support and funding now, the best research teams will be able to develop better ways to prevent, control and cure the disease and help save many more lives.”