WORCESTERSHIRE residents are being urged to play their part for World Cancer Day by wearing a unity band to help fund vital life-saving research.

This year, Cancer Research UK is working with nine other charities to encourage people to wear a unity band on Saturday, February 4, to help beat cancer sooner.

The bands are made of two parts, knotted together, to symbolise strength in unity and the power of what can be achieved when people join forces.

The bands come in three different colours and are available in all Worcestershire Cancer Research UK shops for a suggested donation of £2 as well cruk.org.uk/worldcancerday.

Jane Redman, Cancer Research UK spokesman for Worcestershire, said: “World Cancer Day provides an opportunity for people in Worcestershire, as well as across the world, to show that together we can be a powerful force to help beat cancer sooner.

“So many of us know someone affected by cancer, and wearing a Unity Band or donating is a simple and easy way to show your support.

“Whatever you motivation – to remember a loved one, celebrate people who have overcome the disease, or to rally in support of those going through treatment - World Cancer Day is a chance to get involved and help more people survive this disease.

“One in two people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime and every year 31,300 people are diagnosed with cancer in Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

“Survival has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress – but every step our doctors, nurses and scientists take relies on donations from the public and the tireless fundraising of our supporters.

“We hope everyone joins us on World Cancer Day by wearing a Unity Band and pledging support so we can beat cancer sooner.”