Jonathan Djanogly MP is supporting schools in Huntingdon who take part in Macmillan Cancer Relief's latest education initiative 'Cancertalk' for children and young people.
Macmillan is encouraging schools to talk about cancer and the different ways to support people during Cancertalk Week, 9 to 13 February 2004. The charity hopes that by increasing awareness of cancer and dispelling some of the myths surrounding it, children and young people will be better equipped to understand the disease and learn how to support those with symptons.
The Big Hush will wrap up Cancertalk week on Friday 13 February, and will encourage school children to take part in a national sponsored silence. It will help children to fundraise in a fun and meaningful way and all the money raised will go towards helping people who are living with cancer, and providing support for their families.
Jonathan Djanogly said:
"I encourage schools to take part in Cancertalk week, and The Big Hush, which are both excellent and imaginative ways to bring attention to an important subject that will affect so many pupils, teachers and parents. Four in ten people will develop cancer in their lifetime so most pupils will come into contact with it in some way. Being more aware of cancer will hopefully separate fact from fiction and help all pupils, parents and teachers affected by cancer to support each other."
Schools can participate in The Big Hush without taking part in Cancertalk Week. Macmillan has also re-launched the Cancertalk programme this year with informative videos and improved resource pack for schools. Cancertalk Week can form part of the school's curriculum grids.
Peter Cardy, Chief Executive, Macmillan Cancer Relief, says, "MP's like Jonathan Djanogly are playing a crucial role in spreading the word and Macmillan is very grateful for their support. Cancertalk and The Big Hush can help to breakdown the taboo topics surrounding cancer in a fun and interesting way so that school children and young people can relate to, understand and empathise with cancer patients."
To order a free Macmillan Cancertalk teaching pack or to take part in The Big Hush, please call 0845 601 1716. Alternatively, for a Cancertalk teaching pack email: cancertalk@mktpoint.com or log onto www.macmillan.org.uk/cancertalk and to register to take part in The Big Hush email: bighush@mktpoint.com or log onto www.macmillan.org.uk/bighush."