Acrobats create ‘Human DNA Helix’ to launch charity campaign

A team of acrobats formed a breathtaking ‘human DNA helix’ today to launch Cancer Research UK’s final year of fundraising to raise £100 million pounds for the Francis Crick Institute, a world-leading biomedical research centre that will open in London in 2016.

The ten acrobats, including members of the ‘mens 4’ British and world champion sports acrobatics team, performed an awe-inspiring routine at King’s Cross station, next to where the Crick is being built.  The display, produced by Acrobat Productions, amazed commuters and passers-by and culminated in them flexing and moulding their bodies to replicate the DNA double helix.

“One in two of us will get cancer at some point in our lives, and we rely solely on our supporters to fund our life-saving work; that’s why we’re asking people to get involved in this campaign now and help us build the future cures for cancer.” – Andrew Pisker, Cancer Research UK

The stunt was inspired by Francis Crick’s discovery of the double helix – the structure that holds our DNA – in 1953.  Working alongside James Watson and Maurice Wilkins, and based on the work of Rosalind Franklin, it is thought to be one of the most significant discoveries in modern science and has transformed our understanding of the human body and disease.

Cancer Research UK has pledged to raise £100 million to help complete the Crick, which will be a visionary collaboration between six world-leading medical research organisations, including Cancer Research UK.  It will see more than 1,200 scientists coming together under one roof to tackle the major diseases, such as cancer, that pose the greatest threat to humanity.

Jon Snow, presenter and supporter of Cancer Research UK’s campaign, said: “Anybody of my age knows someone with cancer or has been touched by cancer themselves, and like many other people I have seen the devastation it can bring.  Enormous strides have been made in research, but there is still a long way to go. That’s why I give my full support to Cancer Research UK’s campaign to raise money for the Francis Crick Institute.”

Andrew Pisker, chairman of Cancer Research UK’s public campaign for the Francis Crick Institute, said: “Cancer Research UK’s campaign to raise money for the Crick has been a huge challenge, but with the support of people across the country we’re confident we’ll raise the £100 million we have committed as part of the project.  One in two of us will get cancer at some point in our lives, and we rely solely on our supporters to fund our life-saving work; that’s why we’re asking people to get involved in this campaign now and help us build the future cures for cancer.”

Jim Smith, director of research at the Francis Crick Institute, said: “By bringing so many scientists together under one roof, the Crick will create a unique, multidisciplinary environment that will encourage collaboration and interaction.  We believe it has the potential to change the face of medical research forever.”

The charity is now calling on people across the country to support the campaign and be part of the Crick’s DNA.  Find out how to get involved by visiting www.cruk.org/crick.

ENDS

For further information, please contact the Cancer Research UK press office on 0203 469 8315 or at [email protected]. For out of hours, please call the duty press officer on 07050 264 059.