People in Oldham are being urged to show support for everyone affected by cancer by wearing a Unity Band on World Cancer Day in February.

Cancer Research UK is calling on men, women and children to make a donation for a Unity Band and wear it on Sunday, February 4.

The Unity Band, which is available in pink, navy or blue, features a classic reef knot design to symbolise the strength of people coming together to unite against cancer.

The bands can be worn in memory of a loved one, to celebrate people who’ve overcome the disease or in support of those going through treatment with the money raised through Unity Band donations going to will help fund research treatments and cures.

Marked on February 4, World Cancer Day is designed to raise awareness of cancer and to promote its prevention, detection and treatment.

Every year, around 41,700 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West

One in two people born after 1960 in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime and although survival has doubled since the early 1970s, Cancer Research UK needs everyone to act right now to help speed up progress and see more people survive the disease.

Jane Bullock Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North West said: “World Cancer Day is a great opportunity for people in Oldham to show solidarity with everyone whose life has been touched by cancer - from patients currently going through treatment, to survivors, to friends and family of those with the disease. It’s a way to show that, together, we are a powerful force against the disease.

“We want to give more good news to people with cancer and their families. More donations for more bands means more money to help fund research – so we hope everyone in Oldham gets behind World Cancer Day and wears a Unity Band in support.”

Unity Bands are available for a suggested donation of £2 from Cancer Research UK shops and online at www.cruk.org/worldcancerday