Broadcaster and presenter Nick Grimshaw and double Emmy-nominated actor and comedian Nick Mohammed have come together to help support the launch of Cancer Research UK’s ambitious plan, “Longer Better Lives: A Manifesto for Cancer Research and Care,” which sets out how the next UK Government could reduce cancer mortality rates, by preventing thousands of future cancers as well as dramatically improving cancer survival.
Published today, the Manifesto contains five core missions to speed up progress in preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer, which, if adopted by government, would help avoid 20,000 cancer deaths a year by 2040. Huge strides have been made in beating cancer – with survival doubling over the last 50 years – but with a growing and ageing population, and half a million cancer cases a year projected by 2040, there has never been a more critical time to act.
The two-minute film features the famous faces alongside supporters, cancer survivors, professors and researchers, who highlight the Manifesto’s plan for people to live longer, better lives free from cancer, touching on their own relationship to the cause.
It opens with Nick Mohammed emphasising how cancer is the defining health issue of our time. The film then cuts to Nick Grimshaw talking about the impact the charity has had saving and improving lives through research over the past few decades. As the camera crops in closer, a Cancer Research UK researcher thanks contributions people have made that have led to incredible scientific discoveries.
Grimshaw and Mohammed go on to give a passionate appeal to viewers that we must do more. The film ramps up the urgency of the cause, driving home how the UK needs a combination of ambitious planning and committed political leadership to make a difference.
As the video ends, both Grimshaw and Mohammed stress the importance of the next government implementing the Manifesto’s recommendations, to create a new national movement to “beat cancer together”.
Nick Grimshaw, TV and radio presenter, whose father died of bladder cancer in 2016, said:
“This is a cause I care deeply about. I lost my dad to cancer in 2016, and like so many others, I struggled with the thought of him not being here anymore. Cancer Research UK has the blueprints for a better future – one where people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
“In urging the next government to adopt these policies, we can help save the lives of future fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters. I’m standing with Cancer Research UK to make the next election a turning point for the millions of Brits affected by cancer.”
Nick Mohammed, award winning comedian and actor, said:
“Cancer Research UK has made incredible breakthroughs for people experiencing cancer, and more people are surviving than ever, but, there is a crisis in cancer care. That’s why I’m supporting Cancer Research UK’s call for the next government to do better and adopt a long term, clear plan to ensure patients get the care they need and deserve.
“Sadly, cancer affects all of us. It’s the reason I’ve taken part in Laugh for Leukaemia and the reason I’ve chosen to talk about Cancer Research UK’s manifesto for the future. It shows what can be achieved through investment and policy changes. The solutions are there in black and white and the longer we wait, the more lives we lose. Together we can beat cancer.”
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said:
“To have the support of Nick Grimshaw and Nick Mohammed for the launch of our manifesto for cancer research and care is brilliant. Avoiding thousands of cancer deaths is possible, but it will take leadership, political will, investment and reform. The impact of cancer is immense.
“We estimate that half a million people – friends, colleagues and loved ones – will be diagnosed with the disease every year by 2040. Their lives are at stake if we don’t act now. The Manifesto for Cancer Research and Care is our comprehensive plan to ensure more people can live their lives free from the fear of cancer. We urge all political leaders to unite behind this vital mission.”
The main video, which goes live today, will be seen across Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter). In the following weeks, to sustain the momentum of the campaign, short videos featuring the cast of the launch film will be shared across social media. Focusing on the details of Cancer Research UK’s five pledges, they also unpack why the manifesto matters to those involved.
Our campaign for longer, better lives | Cancer Research UK https://youtu.be/p2yEOMCj2JI?si=fBelts9Z6aT8z2Rg
Source: Cancer Research UK
Nick Grimshaw and Nick Mohammed join Cancer Research UK in powerful film urging politicians to adopt plan to avoid 20,000 cancer deaths a year added by newsroom on
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