Men, women and children in Forth Valley are being urged to Stand Up To Cancer.

A joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, Stand Up To Cancer brings the UK together to raise money to help accelerate progress in life-saving cancer research.

Launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has already raised more than £25 million to fund translational research, which takes developments in the lab and transforms them into brand new tests and treatments for cancer patients.

Stand Up To Cancer is supported by a host of celebrities including Davina McCall, Alan Carr and Adam Hills. This year’s campaign culminates on Friday, October 21 with a night of live TV on Channel 4, led by the brightest stars in film, TV and music.

Every day, around 85 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland. By joining Stand Up To Cancer, supporters in Stirlingshire will be joining forces with celebrities, doctors, nurses and scientists to generate funds, raise awareness and help accelerate life-saving research.

This year, there are many ways to get involved and help save lives. Cancer Research UK is calling on everyone in Forth Valley to take a stand and do something to help raise money at work, school or at home - from fancy dress days and sponsored silences to bake sales and open mic nights.

The charity is urging people in the region to get started right now and sign up for a free fundraising pack which includes everything supporters need to spark creative ideas and help beat cancer sooner.

TV presenter Alan Carr is supporting Stand Up To Cancer and urging everyone in Forth Valley to get involved.

Alan said: “I’m Standing Up To Cancer because one in two of us in the UK will develop cancer in our lifetime, so we can’t afford to stand still. Cancer doesn’t discriminate and too many lives are cut short by this devastating disease. By raising money and awareness, we can help to fund vital research to get new and better treatments to cancer patients faster.

“That’s why I’m asking everyone in Forth Valley to join me and Stand Up To Cancer to help transform the lives of cancer patients and their families. Forth Valley, the time to act is now - stand up, show your support and join a collective force of millions in the fight against cancer.”

Stand Up To Cancer aims to accelerate the translation of brilliant scientific discoveries into innovative cancer medicine, tests and treatments. Every pound raised will help to support this progress and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Victoria Steven, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Scotland, said: “Our fight against cancer is at a turning point and more people in the UK are surviving than ever before.

“Stand Up To Cancer raises money to speed up breakthroughs from the petri dish to the patients who need them right now. Every day, scientists and researchers work tirelessly to beat cancer, and with the support of the people of Stirlingshire, we can continue to fund ground-breaking research to help save more lives, more quickly.”

For more information and to get involved, visit standuptocancer.org.uk