Leap into action in 2008 and ‘make today count’ to help us beat cancer

Ever wanted to do your bit for charity but never seem to have the time? Well, this is your chance. Next year sees the return of the Leap Year and Cancer Research UK is calling for people across the UK to come together and make the extra day in February count.

‘Make Today Count’ will see Cancer Research UK adopt the 29th February for a one-off campaign, raising much-needed funds for vital research into the causes and treatments of all forms of cancer. Just as cancer can affect anyone, everyone can take part in ‘Make Today Count’. There are lots of things you can do to raise money and you can be as imaginative as you like. The options are endless, but here a few ideas to get you started:

• Show your support by wearing the special ‘Make Today Count’ pin badge, available from Cancer Research UK shops throughout the country
• Cook up a storm in the kitchen and host a dinner party
• Can’t get away from your desk? You can still declare support for the campaign by sending a ‘Make Today Count’ e-card to friends and colleagues
• Host a breakfast party for your friends and family
• Donate an hour’s salary
• Test your brain power by throwing a quiz night
• Get the girls together for a fun night of Bingo

For more great ideas of how to get involved with fundraising for ‘Make Today Count’ visit Make Today Count

Richard Taylor, Cancer Research UK’s executive director of fundraising and supporter marketing, said: “It doesn’t matter what you do on 29th February. The idea is to just ‘Make Today Count’ by supporting the charity’s lifesaving work. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer and, and though survival rates are improving, there is still a lot more that needs to be done.

“We rely on the generous support of the public to continue our work and, with one in three people in the UK developing cancer at some time in their lives, it has never been more important for the nation to join together to beat the disease.”

More than a quarter of a million people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK. Thanks to Cancer Research UK’s work, thousands of people are surviving cancer today who wouldn’t have survived ten years ago. The charity needs your help to continue this work. So make sure you do something on 29th February and help Cancer Research UK beat cancer.

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For more information, please contact the Cancer Research UK press office on 020 7061 8367