North West Cancer Research, is asking people across Liverpool to come together and unite in the fight against cancer, with its first ever ‘Concert for a Cure’ event to raise money for cancer research.

The festive fundraiser will take place on Saturday December 5th at the Victoria Gallery and Museum, Ashton Street, offering Liverpudlians the perfect way to start the festive season, while supporting a worthwhile cause.

Talented mezzo soprano Danielle Thomas, who is also an ambassador for the charity, will lead the festive carols, with the help of the Salvation Army Liverpool and Walton 10 piece band.

A special Christmas tree will allow people to remember their loved ones lost to cancer, by placing messages on blue ribbons and hanging them on the branches of the tree for a small donation. The tree will then be displayed at the NWCR centre at the University of Liverpool during the festive season.

Cancer is the biggest killer in Liverpool. Latest figures show that on average around 1300 people per year die from cancer and cancer- related illnesses in the Liverpool city region. The number of new cancer cases diagnosed is higher in the region than the rest of England.

In Liverpool you are 25% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than any other area of the UK, and this gap is unfortunately widening. Thanks to research however, for the first time ever half of all people diagnosed with cancer in the UK today, will survive.

All money raised from Concert for a Cure will contribute to cancer research in the region. North West Cancer Research has committed to funding £11.2million worth of cancer research in the North West over the next five years – £7.7million of which will assigned to research at the University of Liverpool.

Danielle from Waterloo, who lost her Grandad to cancer just three years ago is proud to be leading the inaugural Concert for a Cure and hopes that it will bring together people from all over the city region.

She said:

“My grandad was my singing inspiration. He was at every concert I ever did, so when we lost him to colorectal cancer I was absolutely devastated. He was just 76 years old.

“Being able to support North West Cancer Research through my singing and acting as an ambassador for the charity is the perfect tribute to my Grandad. It is also a way for me to help raise awareness of the importance of cancer research in the fight against cancer.

“Unfortunately cancer affects everyone in some way. There is not one person I know who hasn’t personally experienced cancer or has lost a loved on to this terrible disease – which is why events like Concert for a Cure are so important.

“It offers us a way to come together and remember those we have lost, especially at the start of the festive season, when they are always at the forefront of our minds.

“We have a wonderful selection of traditional and modern Christmas songs lined up and the backing of the Salvation Army Liverpool and Walton band will make it a truly magical atmosphere.”

Guests will also hear talks from some of Liverpool’s top cancer researchers including Professor Sarah Coupland, who heads up the North West Cancer Research Centre in Liverpool.

Anne Jackson CEO North West Cancer Research said:

“Christmas is a magical time of year and the perfect time for us to come together and remember loved ones, but also celebrate the hard work done by all our researchers, fundraisers and committee members throughout the year.

“2015 has been a pivotal year for North West Cancer Research, as we welcome a new chairman, a new ambassador and new patrons, as well as help facilitate new research projects which help us make inroads into our understanding of cancer.

“For the first time ever, we are not only funding basic cancer research, but we are also looking at translational research – bringing what we have learned to the bedside. We have committed funds for a new clinical trial looking at bile duct cancer, as well as research into the effects of a skin cancer drug which will improve the quality of life for patients.

“Yes we are making significant discoveries when it comes to cancer, but more still needs to be done – which is why every penny we raise is so important.”

Concert for a Cure will take place on Saturday December 5th from 2pm (doors open 1.30pm) at the Victoria Gallery and Museum on Ashton Street. Tickets cost £10 for adults and concessions for the over 70s and children under 16 are £6.

Tickets can be bought via the North West Cancer Research website http://www.nwcr.org/christmascarolsforacure-2685.html or by calling Sara or Nicola at North West Cancer Research on 0151 709 2919