Derry and Tyrone players Unite for World Cancer Day

They are promoting the global awareness day to encourage people across the north to wear a Unity Band in support of everyone affected by cancer.

The players may be on different sides on a match day but when it comes to raising awareness of cancer, they’re happy to come together to make a difference and have urged to pick up a ’Unity Band’ and wear it with pride on February 4th.

The Unity Band is made of two parts, knotted together, to represent strength in unity and the power of what can be achieved when people come together.

The teams are following the example set by leading cancer charities, Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Care, Anthony Nolan and the ‘Movember Foundation’, who have joined forces to motivate people to support World Cancer Day.

Together, their aim is to unite everyone across Northern Ireland and help transform the lives of millions of people affected by the disease.

The Unity Bands are available from each charity in their own colours at www.worldcancerday.co.uk for a suggested donation of £2. All money raised from the Unity Bands will go towards the charities’ individual research projects and support services.

Local Fundraising Manager Danielle Sheridan said “These players might be on opposite sides on match day, but they are united when it comes to urging everyone to pick up a Unity Band and support World Cancer Day.

“We are extremely grateful to both teams for helping us to raise awareness of World Cancer Day. Surely there can be no stronger message of unity than that of two teams coming together immediately following a memorable McKenna Cup final in order to help beat cancer.”

Every hour someone in Northern Ireland is diagnosed with cancer.

Collectively, the four charities touch the lives of millions of people every year through their individual work in the prevention, detection, treatment and support of those affected by cancer.

Money raised from the Unity Bands will fund breakthroughs in scientific research; save and improve the lives of people with blood cancers; provide high quality care, support and information for people with breast cancer, and fund research and support services to tackle prostate and testicular cancer.

Jean Walsh Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Northern Ireland said: “World Cancer Day is a unique opportunity for people in our region, and beyond, to unite for one day and show that together we can do something about cancer.

“So many of us have been affected by the disease, which is why on February 4 we are calling on people to join together and wear their Unity Band with pride.

“We’re asking everyone to ‘band together’ for this one special day and to highlight the power of what can be achieved when people of all ages and from all walks of life join together.

“By asking people to go one step further and put their differences aside – and show the world that everyone, even competitors and rivals, are united against cancer.

These two wonderful teams are a great example of this - uniting to make a difference – and we hope others will follow their lead!”

For more information and to find out where to get a Unity Band, visit www.worldcancerday.co.uk