NEWS FROM CANCER RESEARCH UK

KEVIN ADAMS AND CHRISTOPHER BIGGINS DIG IN THEIR HEELS FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK

Jade Goody’s close friend and actor lead 15 fellas ‘In her shoes’ to pay a tribute to the women in their lives

The ‘stiletto’ shoe was on the other foot in London today as a group of men joined Jade Goody’s close friend Kevin Adams and actor Christopher Biggins to pay a light-hearted but touching tribute to the inspirational women in their lives, by strapping on a pair of high heels for a walk of empathy in support of Cancer Research UK’s women-only Race for Life 2009 series.

United by their cancer experiences and in support of the women in their lives taking part in the Race for Life series, the men looked hot to trot as they got in touch with their feminine sides. Under the expert guidance of fitness trainer Adams and Biggins – both of whom have recently lost close friends to cancer - the men donned skyscraper heels to take part in the one-of-a-kind ‘In Her Shoes’ event in Regents Park, London.

As part of the Race for Life ‘If I Can Do It…’ campaign, which demonstrates that women of all ages, shapes and sizes can participate in the 5k event, and in support of their wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends who take part in Race for Life, the group proved that if they can walk around a running track in a pair of four inch heels, women everywhere can walk, jog or run 5k at their local event.

Kevin Adams said: “Jade’s passing has affected so many people and with so much needing to be done to beat cancer, Race for Life is a great way for all women to get involved and raise money to support the important work of Cancer Research UK. Although a group of men strapping on a pair of high heels is unconventional, it’s a way of getting across a serious message in a funny way, and it’s something Jade would have had a good giggle about.”

Christopher Biggins added: “So many people have been touched by cancer and I’m no exception – I’ve just lost two of my closest friends to cancer and my father is currently undergoing treatment for bowel cancer. I’m no stranger to squeezing into a pair of high heels but it’s nice to do it this time to show support for every woman who is helping raise vital funds to help beat cancer by taking part in this year’s Race for Life.

“Most of the other men were slightly apprehensive at the prospect of putting on a pair of women’s shoes, but if they’re willing to do this in support of their loved ones for Cancer Research UK, then I hope it

persuades women everywhere to sign up for their local Race for Life event today!”

Now in its 16th series, Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is the UK’s largest women-only fundraising event. Women are invited to walk, jog or run 5k at over 230 Race for Life events taking place across the UK this summer. The charity is hoping that 680,000 women will come together and help raise over £60 million to fund the charity’s life saving work into all forms of cancer. Cancer Research UK’s work has saved millions of lives in the UK and across the world.

Fellow ‘In her shoes’ participant, Ian Read from Surrey, said: “Cancer Research UK is a very personal charity to me, and I am doing this for my wife Nicky who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. I looked at the experience she had been through, and the hope that the work of Cancer Research UK can give, and I knew that I wanted to do what I could to bring attention to Race for Life. And if strapping on a pair of high heels is the best way I can do that, then so be it!”

Each Race for Life event covers a distance of 5k and Cancer Research UK is encouraging women of all ages and levels of fitness to participate. As part of the ‘If I can do it…’ campaign, the charity has also set up a website where participants can get hints and tips to prepare a Race for Life, which includes training tips from Diana Moran and a regular training blog from Amy Lamé. The campaign also includes the ‘Shop for Life’ initiative, a fun way for women to train for Race for Life whilst shopping at the same time.

To sign up for a Race for Life event and for more information on the ‘If I can do it…’ campaign, go to www.raceforlife.org/ifICanDoit

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For more press information or images please contact Frank PR on 020 7693 6999 or email cancerresearchuk@frankpr.it

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Notes to Editors

About Cancer Research UK:

· Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK’s vision is to beat cancer

· Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer

· Cancer Research UK ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients

· Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make

· Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer

· For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7009 8820 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk