New campaign urges North West to act now to help beat cancer

Cancer Research UK

An inspiring awareness and fundraising campaign urging people in the North West to take action ‘Right Now’ to beat cancer is being launched by Cancer Research UK on Christmas Eve.

The campaign highlights the personal impact of cancer with a series of ground breaking adverts featuring real people filmed in a documentary style, in hospital.

The highly charged and emotional ads bring together the real stories of patients and their loved ones, researchers and medical staff; including moments of diagnosis, treatment and test results.

They use observational footage to capture raw, honest and touching moments. This is an innovative approach for a charity campaign and one which Cancer Research UK hopes will galvanise people into action.

Every day, around 110 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West*

The new campaign aims to convince people that small actions taken today will really make a difference to beat cancer sooner.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North West, said: “Our Right Now campaign is a mosaic of cancer experiences which shine a light on the reality taking place, every day, across the region and the UK.

“We hope the campaign – which features emotional TV, poster and radio adverts – will break down the idea of ‘beating cancer’, so it feels much more tangible and people can see how the actions they can take today can make a difference.

“People in our region hear the words ‘you have cancer’ every day. It’s life-changing for them, for their families and friends and for everyone who cares about them. Our campaign shows that research is working. But sadly, for some, time is so much shorter than it should be.

“That’s why our doctors, nurses and scientists are striving every day to find better, more effective and kinder ways to treat this devastating disease. We want people to watch the adverts and feel compelled to act - right now - to help more people survive.”

Research has led to an improved understanding of the biology and causes of cancer. This in turn has led to discovering better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease. But to help even more people survive, Cancer Research UK needs everyone in the North West to take action.

Jane continued: “There are so many ways to get involved. From taking part in Dryathlon in January, signing up now for Race for Life or giving time to volunteer in our shops. The key is to commit right now and to help shape a better future for everyone diagnosed with cancer.”

*All cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) annual average 2011-2013 in the North West Region.