Sutton and Cheam MP, Paul Burstow, today joined pupils at Cheam High in a fund raising Silent Lunch as part of Macmillan Cancer Relief's latest education initiative Cancertalk week for children and young people.
Macmillan is encouraging schools to talk about cancer during Cancertalk Week, 23-27 January 2006. The charity aims to increase awareness of cancer and dispel some of the myths surrounding it.
Cheam High is joining up with schools across the country on 27 January 2006 in a national sponsored silence. The event will help children fund raise fundraise in a fun and meaningful way. All the money raised will go towards helping people who are living with cancer, and providing support for their families.
Mr Burstow said:
"Macmillan's Cancertalk Week and The Big Hush are both excellent and imaginative ways to bring attention to an important subject that will affect so many pupils, parents and teachers. Four in ten people will develop cancer in their lifetime so most pupils will come into contact with it in some way. Being more aware of cancer will hopefully separate fact from fiction and help all pupils, parents and teachers affected by cancer to support each other."
Schools can participate in The Big Hush without taking part in Cancertalk Week. Macmillan has re-launched the Cancertalk programme this year with informative videos and improved resource pack for schools. Cancertalk Week can form part of the school's curriculum grids.
Stephen Richards, Director for Macmillan Cancer Relief, says, "MPs like Paul are playing a crucial role in spreading the word and Macmillan is very grateful for their support. Cancertalk and The Big Hush can help to breakdown the taboo surrounding cancer in a safe and interesting way so that school children and young people can relate to, understand and empathise with cancer patients."
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