BRENTWOOD and Ongar MP Eric Pickles joined forces with a dedicated cancer campaigner from the town to highlight Cancer Research UK’s ambition to help more people survive.

Mr Pickles met Caroline King, who lives in Warley, to find out the part he could play in helping to achieve Cancer Research UK’s ambition that within 20 years three in four of all cancer patients diagnosed will survive at least ten years.

Caroline was one of over 100 Cancer Research UK Ambassadors who came to Westminster in early July to meet their MPs and highlight the importance of parliamentary support to accelerate progress in the fight against cancer.

She urged Eric Pickles MP to back measures to improve early diagnosis, including public awareness campaigns and increased participation in the bowel cancer screening programme.

Caroline said: “I’m really excited to have taken part in Cancer Research UK’s day of action, because I know that this is a great way to help make a difference.

“I feel passionate about supporting Cancer Research UK’s work. So many people are diagnosed with cancer and it’s vital that we do all we can to help save more lives.”

She continued: “It was fantastic to meet my MP Eric Pickles and discuss my why early diagnosis matters to me personally. Cancer Research UK is making huge progress but we need the help and support of MPs like Eric to help more cancer patients survive.”

Mr Pickles said it was a pleasure to meet Caroline and listen to her story.

He added: “The charity’s pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer is helping to save millions of lives. It’s vital that we continue to support their work and do everything we can to help beat cancer sooner.”

For more information on how to get involved in Cancer Research UK’s campaigning work, visit www.cruk.org/campaigns