HAMPSHIRE residents are being urged to help a leading cancer charity battle the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cancer Research UK expects to see its fundraising income drop by £300m over the next three years, largely as a result of fundraising events having to be cancelled.

Now the charity is urging people to support World Cancer Day on February 4 by wearing a Unity Band or making a donation.

Every year more than 52,000 are diagnosed with cancer in the south east.

Wearing a Unity Band is a way of showing solidarity with those affected.

Available in three different colours – pink, navy and blue – it can be worn in memory of a loved one, to celebrate people who have overcome cancer or in support of those going through treatment.

World Cancer Day is an international initiative which aims to unite people across the globe.

By wearing a Unity Band or making a donation people can help the charity's life-saving research get back on track following the Covid-19 crisis.

More people are surviving cancer than ever before, with rates in the UK doubling in the past 40 years.

But Cancer Research UK says future breakthroughs are at risk, which means uniting to beat cancer has never been more important.

Jenny Makin, the charity's spokesperson for the south east, said: “One in two people will get cancer in their lifetime, which is why we’re determined to continue to create better cancer treatments for tomorrow.

“World Cancer Day is a great opportunity for people to unite and show solidarity with everyone whose life has been touched by the disease.

“Our research has played a role in developing eight of the world’s top ten cancer drugs.

"We are working every day to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, but we can’t do it alone.

“That’s why we hope people across the region will donate or wear a Unity Band with pride, knowing they are helping to save lives."

People can obtain a Unity Band via cruk.org/worldcancerday.