BOLTON WANDERERS players have swapped their footballs for wristbands and thrown their support behind a major fundraising campaign.

The players are backing the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.

People in Bolton are being encouraged to take a stand now by requesting a free fundraising pack full of fun-filled ideas to help beat cancer sooner.

They can also show their support for the campaign in style as a fun range of clothing and accessories for men, women and children is available now online and at Cancer Research UK shops including the store in Newport Street.

Midfielder Craig Noone, aged 30, said: “Raising vital funds for life-saving research is a great chance to get payback on cancer. All of us at Bolton Wanderers know someone who has been affected. Whether you donate, get sponsored to wear orange from head to toe or organise your own bake sale, there are lots of ways to get involved. I really hope as many people as possible from Bolton will get behind this vitally important campaign because together, we can wipe the floor with cancer.”

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North West, said: “We’re so grateful for the support of Bolton Wanderers.

“The good news is more people are surviving than ever before, but too many lives are still cut short by this devastating disease. That’s why we need everyone in Bolton to stand up and help take cancer out.

“Every day our scientists and researchers are working tirelessly to beat the disease. But research in the lab alone won’t get us there. We need to raise some serious cancer-crushing cash to speed up breakthroughs from the petri dish into better treatments for patients.

She continued: “By supporting Stand Up To Cancer people in Bolton could help to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. The more people that join the fight now, the sooner we can beat cancer for everyone.”

Stand Up To Cancer has raised £38 million since it was launched in the UK in 2012. The funding is used for clinical trials and projects which accelerate the development of new cancer treatments and tests, to help patients and ultimately save more lives.

This year, Stand Up To Cancer will culminate with a night of live TV on Channel 4, on Friday, October 26.

To get involved visit standuptocancer.org.uk