Spinathon to raise funds to help beat cancer
Saturday, February 3 marks World Cancer Day and once again Newry’s Cancer Research UK Committee are holding their annual spinathon.
Once again the committee is calling upon individuals, businesses, community, voluntary and sporting groups to get involved and bring along family and friends to show their unity for the fight for cancer while raising vital funds for life saving research.
A spokesperson for the group said: “We would be most grateful for your support in helping us to raise money so that we can continue to contribute to the work of the Cancer Research scientists in the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital.
"Much has been achieved so that the survival rate has doubled and although statistics tell us that one in two people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer, more than half of these will be alive more than ten years later, or may be completely cured thanks to this ongoing research if diagnosed early.
"Death from breast cancer has been greatly reduced by the breast screening programme rolled out in 1988. Cervical cancer cases have been greatly reduced by the HIP vaccine given to young teenage girls since 1988 and the PSA test for prostate cancer available for men aged 50+ has meant that 25% of people will not require surgery if diagnosed early.
"Much has been achieved but more is needed and research costs money.
"The number of young people in the 25-49 age group has risen by 22% in the last 30 years and one in eight men alive today will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.
"Melanoma (skin cancer) has risen by 50% in the last 20 years and one in five children are diagnosed every day in the UK with some form of cancer. Early diagnosis is paramount.
“Will you join us in Tesco Newry on Saturday, February 3 to support us in our fight against this terrible disease which affects so many?”
The spinathon gets underway from 8am, however slots are available from 12pm until 6pm. Please contact any committee member for more details.