PEOPLE in Worcestershire are being called on to back a campaign aiming to stamp out cancer among children.

As part of September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month fundraisers in the county are being urged to donate or fundraise towards research into cures for the condition.

The campaign is run by Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens in partnership with clothing shop TK Maxx, and gold ribbon badges will be available at shops around the country.

The charity’s spokesman for Worcestershire Paula Young said: “We want to stop cancer stealing youngsters’ childhoods.

“The disease can have a devastating impact, forcing children to show bravery beyond their years.

“Treatment can last for months, or even years, meaning long stays in hospital away from siblings and friends.

“Unfortunately, some children also have to face living with side-effects from their treatment which last long into adult life.

“That’s why we hope people across the region will back this vitally important campaign and help to ensure more children live long and healthy lives.

About 130 children in Worcestershire and the West Midlands are diagnosed with cancer every year and the disease is the leading cause of death among under-25s in the UK.

For more information on fundraising for Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens visit cruk.org/kidsandteens.