As the days tick every closer to this week's Race for Life event in Chelmsford, people are being urged to pick up their BBQ tongs and get grilling to raise money too. 

Cancer Research UK’s Big BBQ Weekend will take place this Saturday and Sunday and Chelmsford residents are being urged to take part, invite their friends and family to make a donation to attend their fabulous fundraising barbecues. 

Every day, 84 people are diagnosed with cancer in the East*. And that’s why the charity is issuing a rallying call to people across the region to get BBQ’ing and help beat cancer sooner.

This year’s campaign is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever, with thousands of BBQ heroes across the UK set to turn up the heat on cancer.

BBQ hosts are encouraged to invite their friends and family to make a donation to attend, to raise money for life-saving research and it’s not too late for people to sign up for their free fundraising pack so that they can show cancer who’s the BBQ boss.

Danielle Glavin, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the region, said: “We’ve had a fantastic response from our brilliant BBQ’ers across the region, and it’s great to see so many people getting fired up for the fight against cancer.

“We want to make this year’s Big BBQ Weekend one to remember and there’s still time to get involved! We’re urging people to rally their friends, family and neighbours and cook up some cash for research. Every pound donated will help us to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding for its research but with the help of local people the charity is fighting the disease on all fronts.

Cancer Research UK’s BBQ pack contains everything supporters need to plan their perfect BBQ, including healthy recipe ideas, top tips, decorations, posters and much more.

Event hosts can simply collect donations up front from friends and family or on the day of their BBQ.

Danielle Glavin added: “BBQ for Cancer Research UK is the ultimate foodie fundraiser and we know that our BBQ heroes can help to make it a sizzling success.

Our aim is that one day everyone will beat this devastating disease and the more research we fund, the sooner that day will come.”

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. Thanks to advances in research, more people are surviving cancer than ever before. But more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

To sign up to be a BBQ hero and get a free BBQ pack, visit www.cruk.org/BBQ