Schoolgirls mop up on TikTok for Cancer Research UK
Two sisters are making the most of their time in lockdown by helping to carry on the fight against cancer – armed with rubber gloves and dusters.
Ellie and Kate Young, aged 14 and 12, are donating pocket money from their household chores to Cancer Research UK. And to spice things up a bit, they’ve recorded a series of TikTok videos to inspire others to join in.
The Friary School pupils, from Lichfield, are rallying people to clean up and cash in to help prevent the charity losing out on crucial funding during these unprecedented times.
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Proud mum Paula, who has worked for Cancer Research UK for more than 17 years, said:“Since the girls were born, we’ve watched a lot of friends and family members go through cancer and I’ve seen first-hand how research is changing lives.
“Part of my role involves filming our supporters, but I haven’t been able to do that during lockdown, especially as all of our events have been cancelled or postponed.
“I jokingly suggested the girls do some extra chores to help raise some money and, to my surprise, they agreed. Instead of filming an ordinary video they decided to help me create a series of funny cleaning up films on TikTok.”
The ‘chore-some’ idea came from Cancer Research UK’s new fundraising pack which is full of ideas to raise money at home and help continue its life-saving research.
Whether it’s a full spring clean or daring family to dress up in their finery to put out the bins, sponsored chores are just one of the ways people can show their support.
Eleanor said: “Not being able to go to school or see our friends means we’ve got more time to spend online. If we can use some of that time to help raise money for research, then that’s a good thing because it will help more people survive.”
Inspires
Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the charity was able to spend over £9 million in the West Midlands and Staffordshire region last year on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.
From virtual quizzes and live streaming music nights to sponsored haircuts or head shaves, Cancer Research UK has a host of ideas to inspire people to fundraise at home, or they can simply organise their own activities.
Paula, 47, from Fradley, said: “Our supporters are bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase, ‘charity begins at home’. I’m proud of the way Ellie and Kate have embraced the fundraising challenge and I hope it inspires others to do what they can. We can all play a part, no matter how big or small, in helping to lessen the impact that lockdown has had on our research.
“With suggestions such as dyeing beards, sponsored fitness challenges and hunting for lost coins down the back of sofas, we have plenty of ideas to get fundraisers thinking.
“We remain tirelessly committed to making progress for people affected by cancer, but now more than ever, support from the public will be vital. We simply will not be able to continue funding our cutting-edge work without it.”
Cancer Research UK expects to see its fundraising income decline by up to 25 per cent in the next financial year, as a direct result of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
However, the charity is working hard to ensure that people affected by cancer get the support and information they need.
“While many of us may feel our lives have been put on hold, cancer hasn’t stopped,” added Paula. “Around four people are diagnosed with the disease every hour in the West Midlands region, so we cannot afford to stand still.”
To donate to Ellie and Kate’s page visit https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/paulas-giving-page-323
Their TickTok page is at tiktok.com/@theyoungones4
