Celebrities join Key 103 to 'canoe against cancer'

Key 103’s Mike Toolan has joined up with celebrities and cancer survivors to canoe through Manchester as they reach the mid-way point on a 120 mile canoe around North West to raise money for Stand Up To Cancer.

TV personality Michelle Heaton, Made In Chelsea and Celebrity Big Brother’s Sam Thompson, Gogglebox star Nikki Tapper, One Show / Alderley Edge TV presenter Michelle Ackerley, Mike Toolan - Key 103 were part of the team which canoed through Trafford today.

They are part of a team celebrities taking it in turns to partner with four cancer survivor paddlers each day to help them reach the finish line.

They took over from Judge Rinder and Anthea Turner who paddled a marathon on Monday and actor Tyger Drew Honey who paddled a marathon on Tuesday.

Michelle Heaton said: “Taking part in the Great Canoe Challenge was a no-brainer for me. When I discovered I was a carrier of a faulty version of the BRCA2 gene, it was devastating. I felt like my world had been turned upside down. I want to do everything I can to help to raise money for research because I know it’s the key to defeating this disease.

“I hope that everyone across the North West really gets behind us and shows their support. It’s going to be a tough challenge but I’m really looking forward to sharing stories, having some fun along the way and being involved in something I feel so deeply passionate about.”

Altrincham Sports Direct manager David Sing, 30, who is from Bootle, Liverpool, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2012 when a scan at found two tumours – the size of a small pebble – in his left testicle.

He had surgery to remove the tumours followed by intensive chemotherapy for nine weeks. He is now coming up to five years of clear scans.

The 30-year-old said: “It was a shock when I was diagnosed with cancer but thanks to research and treatment I’m still here today.

“For me, my motivation to Stand Up To Cancer is to encourage others to do the same. By taking part in the Great Canoe Challenge I’m helping to turn my cancer experience into a positive.

“Hopefully it will show people that there can be life after a cancer diagnosis and I want to inspire as many people as possible to support Stand Up To Cancer’s amazing research.”

The challenge is in aid of Stand Up To Cancer, a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, which aims to speed up the translation of incredible scientific discoveries into innovative cancer medicine, tests and treatment.

Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the North West, said: “We are delighted that so many celebs are picking up the paddles and supporting such an epic challenge for Stand Up To Cancer.

“We’re calling on people to show their support and help fund game-changing research. Money raised will fund cutting-edge research that accelerates new cancer treatments and tests to UK patients to ultimately save more lives. One in two of us in the UK will develop cancer in our lifetime, so now is the time to act.”

Since it was launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has raised more than £38million to fund over 40 clinical trials and research projects.

These include the development of the ‘chemo package’ to deliver treatment at the best time for the patient; testing arsenic as a weapon to make cancer implode and using viruses to seek and destroy cancer cells.

Alison added: “Around 41,700 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West every year*. Every day, scientists and researchers work tirelessly to beat the disease, and with the support of the people of Manchester, we can continue to fund ground-breaking research to help save more lives, more quickly.

“There are so many ways to get involved so we’re calling on people across the city to stand up, raise cash and take cancer out.”

To support David, Sam, Michelle and their fellow paddlers on the Great Canoe Challenge and donate £5 or £10, text CANOE5 or CANOE10 to 70404** or donate online at www.standuptocancer.org.uk/cano