I attended an event in Parliament this week to show support for World Cancer Day, which takes place this Saturday 4th February, 2017. At the event I met with representatives from seven of the UK’s leading charities who have joined forces to unite the nation and help people affected by cancer.

Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Care, Breast Cancer Now, CLIC Sargent, Anthony Nolan, Bowel Cancer UK and Marie Curie are calling on people across Newport East and Gwent to show their support by wearing a Unity Band or donating.  By joining forces, the charities aim to make a bigger impact in transforming the lives of millions who are affected by cancer.

The Unity 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 are available from each charity on their websites, shops and other retail outlets for a suggested donation of £2. All money raised from the Unity Bands will go towards the charities individual work.

One in two people born in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime.

The incidence of all cancers in the Gwent region is slightly higher than the Welsh average, and I know that thousands of families across my constituency are affected by it every year. I’m calling on people in Newport East to join me by wearing a Unity Band, making a donation or spreading the word on social media in support of World Cancer Day which is on this Saturday 4th February.

Whatever your 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 transform the lives of millions of people who are affected by cancer.