“STAND up to cancer!”

That is the message from Cancer Research UK who are urging people across Hampshire to take part in wacky challenges at work, school or at home for their latest fundraising drive.

From a Crazy Legs challenge to hosting a bake sale, everyone is invited to take a stand and support loved ones battling cancer.

Stand Up To Cancer aims to raise money to fund vital research which will get new and better treatments to cancer patients faster.

This year’s event will culminate with an evening of special programming on Channel 4 on Friday, October 9.

Around five people are diagnosed with cancer every hour in the South East. By joining Stand Up To Cancer, supporters will be uniting with doctors, nurses, scientists and celebrities to generate funds, raise awareness and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up to Cancer has already raised over £23.8million.

There are many ways to get involved and help save lives. A free fundraising kit is available to help spark creative ideas and provide support.

Supporters of all ages can literally stand up and get sponsored, choosing exactly how, when and where they make their stand.

Alternatively, they might choose to wear a ridiculous bottom half for the day with the ‘Crazy Legs’ challenge, or cook up some cash by conjuring up culinary delights and selling them at work or school.

Helen Johnstone, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Hampshire, said: “One in two of us in the UK will develop cancer at some point in our lives. That’s why we need everyone to join in and make a stand against cancer right now.”

A fun range of clothing and accessories for men, women, children, and even dogs, is available online at standuptocancer.org.uk and in Cancer Research UK shops.

Stand Up To Cancer is supported by a host of celebrities including Davina McCall, Alan Carr and Dr Christian Jessen.

For more information and to get involved visit standuptocancer.org.uk

Southampton is invited to stand on the frontline in the fight against cancer by joining in the fundraising:

• CHALLENGE - Whether it’s a long distance run, a 12 hour dance-a-thon in the office or a sponsored silence, supporters can challenge themselves and get friends and family to dig deep to support the cause!

• CRAZY LEGS - Schools, offices, friends and family are encouraged to wear a ridiculous bottom half for a day and dress their legs to Stand Up To Cancer.

• COOK - Host a dinner party or put on a bake sale. Get creative in the kitchen to raise money.

• #CRINGEFEST - Suffer public humiliation for a good cause. Read your teenage diary to your mates, wax the local rugby team’s legs, wear your undies on the outside, anything that will get a giggle and encourage your friends to help you raise money to beat cancer sooner.

• STAND UP - Get sponsored to stand - for hours, on a mountain or all day at work - that’s got to be worth some serious sponsorship!

• YARD SALE - Hold a yard sale, whether it be setting up a swap shop, auctioning your antiques on the street or selling your stuff on eBay and donating what you make. Whatever the way, make it pay!