Scots share hearts on social media as part of fundraising campaign for World Cancer Research Day

Hearts filled social media feeds on Thursday as Scots showed their support and raised vital funds on World Cancer Research Day.

A fundraising challenge was started by Edinburgh-based Worldwide Cancer Research to inspire donations to help lifesaving research into new cures for cancer.

#CuresForCancer saw Instagram, Facebook and Twitter users recreate the charity’s love heart symbol to show solidarity with the cause, from creative make-up to decorated cookies.

To mark World Cancer Research Day, I am taking part in @WorldwideCancer #CuresForCancer challenge to help raise awareness for lifesaving cancer research #CuresForCancer #WorldCancerResearchDay pic.twitter.com/7rMszDUVLR

— Kaye Adams (@kayeadams) September 24, 2020

Among those supporting the campaign were radio and TV presenter Kaye Adams, sports broadcaster David Tanner and Motherwell striker Tony Watt.

Worldwide Cancer Research launched the social media challenge to help raise awareness and money for its critical work as cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death in Scotland.

Over 30,000 Scots are diagnosed with cancer a year, with Public Health Scotland predicting that the number of cases will rise to 40,000 per year by 2027.

This equates to an increase of more than four people being diagnosed every hour.

All of the money raised will go towards funding the Edinburgh-based charity’s research, backing the quest to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

#CuresForCancer pic.twitter.com/TMYI3wYdKD

— David Tanner (@DavidTannerTV) September 24, 2020

Dr Helen Rippon, Chief Executive of Worldwide Cancer Research, said: “We’ve been absolutely blown away by the response to the #CuresForCancer social media challenge.

“The statistics we’re up against are devastating and we need to do more to help start new cures for cancer, which is why cancer research is so important.

“Seeing so many Scots take to social media yesterday to show their solidarity with the cause and help us raise funds for our lifesaving research across the world was really inspiring and gives us hope for the future.

“We’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part and donated. Together we can start bold new research and stop the suffering caused by cancer.”

To donate to Worldwide Cancer Research and find out more about its research projects, please visit www.worldwidecancerresearch.org