Benedict Cumberbatch, Michelle Dockery, Tom Hardy, Gillian Anderson, Idris Elba, Eddie Redmayne, Anna Friel, Sheridan Smith and Steve Coogan have come together in an exclusive short film and set of photographs shot by renowned English photographer and film director Greg Williams to support Stand Up To Cancer which launches today (Monday 8 September).
Demonstrating the need for urgency in the fight against cancer, the short film (57secs) features each A- list star running towards the camera in a defiant stance. Cut with portraits of cancer patients who are also supporting the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, the film is bold, brave and moving and shows unity and collective defiance in the face of this devastating disease. The set of photographs accompanying the film also demonstrate the urgent message that we need to act now to accelerate new cancer treatments to UK patients and save more lives.
Greg Williams said: “It’s been an honour to be involved in the Stand Up To Cancer campaign. I lost my mum to cancer, something I feel strongly that no one should ever have to experience. By making this film and collection of images, I’ve been able to help to bring Stand Up To Cancer’s vital work to the fore and help build momentum in the fight against cancer.”
Idris Elba said: “Stand Up To Cancer is a brilliant campaign that will turn the tables on cancer, accelerate new treatments and ultimately save more lives. I know from personal experiences the devastating effect that cancer can have on people’s lives. My own father passed away from lung cancer in September 2013. It affected the whole family, turned our lives upside down and is truly something that we absolutely need to stop in the future. What we need to do this is funding, and that’s why it’s so important for people to do what they can to support Stand Up To Cancer and help beat cancer sooner.”
Benedict Cumberbatch said: “I’m standing up to cancer because some of the real life heroes amongst us, scientists and researchers, need funding so they can continue their life saving work. Cures are within our grasp and we can’t slow down in our fight against this terrible disease. We can be the generation that really makes a difference, who wouldn’t want to be part of that?”
Michelle Dockery said: “I’m very proud to be supporting Stand Up To Cancer and hope it will help raise the vital funds needed to get treatment to patients faster.”
Gillian Anderson said: “The reason I’m supporting Stand Up To Cancer is that I truly believe that we can make a difference and beat this terrible disease. We all have the power to help change statistics and save lives, we just need to unite together, take control and make a stand. Survival rates have improved tremendously but we still need to do more. We need to let cancer know that it’s now payback time and we will do whatever is in our power to beat it.”
Sheridan Smith said: “Cancer sadly affects so many of us which is why I’m supporting this amazing campaign to help raise funds for vital research. I really hope that by joining together as a united group to fight cancer one day, no-one’s family member or friend will have to lose their life to cancer.”
Stand Up To Cancer is a joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 raising funds to accelerate new cancer treatments to patients and save more lives. People can join the frontline against cancer this autumn through fundraising, buying Stand Up To Cancer merchandise, and tuning into the live TV show on Channel 4 on Friday 17th October.
