I WOULD like to urge Northern Echo readers to take the fundraising plunge for Cancer Research UK.

I lost my mum, Marie, to cancer in 1998. So I know just how important it is to raise vital funds for the charity’s lifesaving research and help more people to survive.

This September, I’m taking part in a swim to raise £1m for Cancer Research UK.

I’ll be teaming up with entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, and a host of celebrities, to swim 56 miles across the Irish Sea.

There are two public places available on the team and strong swimmers who have raised at least £100 by July 15 could be in with a chance to win one.

Those who don’t fancy jellyfish, cold water and night swimming can still get involved by sponsoring us or staging their own swimming activity.

Every hour, around two people are diagnosed with cancer in the North-East. By supporting Cancer Research UK’s work, people could make a big difference to cancer patients here on their doorstep.

For more information about how you can dive in and get involved please visit theswim.co.uk Ronan Keating, For Cancer Research UK.