Moore than just a t-shirt

The good people of Essex are being asked to show their support for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.

The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK raises money for research into bowel cancer in memory of West Ham United and England legend Bobby Moore, who tragically died from bowel cancer aged just 51.

Bobby grew up in Essex and is still a legend in this great county. The charity is urging everyone in Essex to come together as a community and help make a difference in the fight against bowel cancer.

A dedicated fundraising page called the Bobby Moore Fund in Essex has been set up on the charity’s “My Projects” website and this page is open to anyone who wants to show their support.

The page is open for personal donations and anyone can also join the group as a member where they can chat to other supporters about what they are doing to fundraise. They can also upload any photos or videos of themselves showing their support for the Bobby Moore Fund. The charity is aiming to raise £20,000 from this page alone.

Stephanie Moore MBE and founder of the Bobby Moore Fund said: "I’m delighted that the Essex community are coming together to raise money for the Bobby Moore Fund. Bobby grew up in Barking and remained true to his roots throughout his life, so it’s very special to know that he is still held with such high regard by the people of Essex.

"Bowel cancer devastates the lives of so many families, with 44 men and women losing their lives to it every day in the UK. It’s vital that we continue to raise as much money as possible for research into the disease that claims so many lives and devastates so many families. Thank you for your support".

Gordon Haines from Essex, a bowel cancer survivor and supporter of the charity added: "As a bowel cancer survivor and supporter of the Bobby Moore Fund, I would urge the people of Essex to get behind the charity and support this fantastic cause.

"The world class research that they fund into bowel cancer means that more people across the UK are surviving this illness, however there’s still so much more work to be done. Bobby Moore was an Essex lad and remains an inspiration to many of us as a footballer and a person so let’s all do something to honour him and help tackle this terrible disease."

Darren Couchman, Cancer Research UK’s area volunteer manager for Essex, said: "This is a fantastic chance for the people of Essex to come together and make a real difference in the fight against bowel cancer. The Bobby Moore Fund gets fantastic support from many people in this great county, however there is still more vital work to do.

"Bobby Moore will always be a legend in Essex and I couldn’t think of a better way for the whole county to come together as one and show their support for the cause and to show how much this great man meant to us all. As an born and bred Essex lad myself, I know how much regard Bobby is held in and I urge the good people of Essex to show their support by making a donation to the page or by joining the group as a member. Let’s show the rest of the country that the only way is Essex!

"Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer. However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses."

To make a donation to the page or to join the group please visit myprojects.cancerresearchuk.org/.../bobby-moore-fund-in-essex.

Bowel cancer statistics in Essex

Around 1,200 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in Essex every year*.

There are 46.3 cases of bowel cancer per 100,000 people in Essex every year**.

Around 440 people die from bowel cancer in Essex every year***.

There are 16.1 deaths from bowel cancer per 100,000 people in Essex every year****.

*Annual average number of cases of colorectal and anus cancer (C18-C21) in the Essex county between 2007 and 2009.

** European age-standardised incidence rate per 100,000 in the Essex county 2007-2009.

***Annual average number of deaths in the Essex County between 2008 and 2010.

**** European age-standardised mortality rate per 100,000 in the Essex county 2008-2010.

Source: UK Cancer Information Service, version 4.5 001 on 17/05/2012