News from Cancer Research UK

Sean Connery puts women in Double-0 Heaven!
Bond star motivates women the most



With a new Bond book out this week, it’s been revealed that Sir Sean Connery is the celebrity that women think of the most when exercising, according to research released today. After time spent training, working out, or jogging, women have revealed that it is the dashing Scot that motivates them to finish, in a survey of over 1,000 women by Cancer Research UK.

Interestingly Connery pipped contemporary heartthrob David Beckham to the post, whilst fiery chef Gordon Ramsay and handsome Royal Prince William came third and fourth respectively. Simon Cowell also featured, taking the fifth place spot on the list.

The survey was commissioned to mark Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2008 series and looked to find out which celebrities would motivate women to get to the finish line. Now in its 15th year, Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is the largest women-only fundraising series in the UK. Women of all ages and fitness levels are invited to walk, jog or run 5k at over 260 events across the UK this summer. The charity is hoping 750,000 women will take part and help raise over £50 million for vital research into beating cancer.

As well as seeking to find every woman’s ideal celebrity that motivates them to get to the finish line, the survey also revealed that women would most like to go for a walk, jog or run with the female cast of Friends. Whilst New Yorkers, Rachel, Monica and Phoebe were their preferred choice of training partners, somewhat surprisingly, the Golden Girls came second in the survey. Third place went to those Desperate Housewives and the Sex and the City women and Girls Aloud made it into the chart in fourth and fifth place respectively.

Natasha Woodford, head of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life said of the findings: ‘It was surprising to find that Sean Connery beat David Beckham, who regularly tops the poll of the world’s best looking men. But whether it’s a famous heartthrob or a family member, it’s always a good incentive to have someone waiting for you at the finish line, and we’re sure there will be lots of people supporting our Race for Life participants at the events this year.”

Women can enter their nearest Race for Life event by visiting www.raceforlife.org or calling 0871 641 2282.

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For further information please contact Laura Bryce at Frank PR on 0202 7693 6999 or
e-mail: cancerresearchuk@frankpr.it

Notes to Editors
About Survey Results:
Top Five Celebs to greet you at the finish line:
1st: Sean Connery
2nd: David Beckham
3rd: Gordon Ramsay
4th: Prince William
5th: Simon Cowell

Top Five Celeb groups to walk or jog with:
1st: The Friends Girls
2nd: The Golden Girls
3rd: Desperate Housewives ladies
4th: The Sex and the City girls
5th: Girls Aloud