The Loud Tie Campaign urges people across Britain not to be tongue-tied about bowel cancer, to wear loud and wacky ties during Loud Tie week, and get sponsored for doing so. The charity hopes that the general public will get behind this year's campaign by sending an SMS message "LOUDTIE" to 83338 to make a £1.50 donation* to the cause.
Speaking after the Parliamentary Launch Event held in the Houses of Parliament, Mr Williams said, "I am delighted to be supporting the Loud Tie campaign, which raises important funds for the charity, increases awareness of the disease and elevates the key issues surrounding bowel cancer."
Mr Williams, who is the Liberal Democrats' Shadow Public Health Minister, added "The issue of bowel cancer is a deeply personal one for me. As a thirteen year old I saw my father die from this horrible disease. There have been major treatment advances in the last twenty five years and if the disease is caught early enough then it is possible to survive. Because of my family history I take extra care with my diet and exercise regime. I am also regularly screened by the NHS."
"I would like to congratulate Beating Bowel Cancer on the launch of the campaign and wish them every success. Furthermore, I would urge my constituents to join in, dig out their loudest ties or scarves and not be tongue-tied to talk about bowel cancer!"
Beating Bowel Cancer's Chief Executive, Hilary Whittaker, added: "As well as the important fundraising that takes place during Loud Tie Week, through events and this year our new SMS fundraising initiative, the campaign also aims to increase the profile of bowel cancer, which is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths in the UK. Almost 50 people die every day from the disease, and it will affect 1 in 18 people during their lifetime, yet awareness is still very low and we have much work to do to educate and inform the nation about symptoms, prevention and treatment."
Those interested in taking part can order a fundraising pack from Beating Bowel Cancer on , download all materials from www.beatingbowelcancer.org or make a £1.50 donation* by sending a text with the words LOUDTIE to 83338.
