Celebrities supporting Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK in partnership with TK Maxx hosted the second Little Star Awards party at London Zoo to celebrate the bravery and courage of all children who are diagnosed with cancer, and to raise awareness of children's cancers and the charity's groundbreaking work in the field of childhood cancer research. 22 children and their families from across the UK attended the event as ambassadors on behalf of all Little Star Awards recipients. Guests were treated to performances from X factor finalist Stacey Solomon and winner of Sky 1's 'Got to Dance' Akai. Blue Peter presenters past and present Konnie Huq and Andy Akinwolere handed out medals to the Little Stars on the day. Actors Kara Tointon, Madeline Duggan and Thomas law also attended on the day to meet and greet with the children and their families.

All Little Stars nominated receive a chrome 'star' trophy, a TK Maxx voucher and a certificate signed by celebrity supporters - this year the certificate as signed by singer and X-Factor winner Leona Lewis, Olympic champion and 100-metre world record holder Usain Bolt , American pop group the Jonas Brothers, Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity and Tracey Beaker actress Dani Harmer.

This year celebrities have joined hundreds of women to record a unique charity single in support of Cancer Research UK's Race For Life. The track, led by DJ and singer Sonique, who herself recently underwent treatment for breast cancer, is a remake of Cyndi Lauper’s 1980s classic 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun'.

Sonique, whose lines on the track see her returning to the microphone for the first time since her diagnosis last June, is joined on the song by a host of female celebrities including Coronation Street's Kym Marsh, actress Caroline Quentin and the X-Factor's Lucie Jones. The track also features women who have been personally affected by cancer, as well as the contributions of women from around the UK, captured by mobile producers who have been touring shopping centres.

Sonique said: 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun' really embodies the spirit of Race for Life because, although there's a serious message behind the activity, it really does feel like the ultimate girls' day out. The fact that any woman, no matter how good their voice is, has been able to get involved is brilliant and really captures the essence of Race for Life. It's not competitive and women of all ages, shapes and sizes can take part. I'd urge every woman to sign up for an event this year!"

The single is being sold exclusively by official Race for Life partner Tesco and is also available to download on iTunes, with proceeds going directly to help beat cancer.

This year's series started off with the first ever Race For Life event held at London's O2 Arena, which was also televised by Sky One HD, another first for the event. Actress and presenter Angela Griffin hosted 'She's Amazing 2010', a unique entertainment show which included performances from Lemar and Lee Ryan, as well interviews with celebrities including Amy Lamé, Lisa Faulkner and inspirational women who have had their own cancer experiences.

Celebrities who took part in the O2 Race For Life event included Tana Ramsey, Zoe Salmon, Su-Elise Nash, Rebekah Gibbs, Sarah Cawood and Phoebe Thomas, who was first across the finish line. Other celebrities who are on board to support the series, of which Gloria Hunniford is Patron, are Paula Radcliffe, Kate Walsh, Emma Griffiths, Sarah Greene and Liz McClarnon.

Cancer Research UK unveiled it's eighth garden at the Chelsea Flower Show this year. Designed by Robert Myers with the theme 'enlighten', the garden celebrates how the work of Cancer Research UK has increased our knowledge and understanding of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Myers explores the theme through concepts of discovery, light and shade, colour and contrast within the garden.

Celebrity visitors to the garden this year included Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren, presenters Gaby Roslin, Matthew Wright, Jo Whiley and George Lamb, and news broadcasters Jon Snow, John Sergeant, Moira Stewart, Nicholas Owen and Jon Sopel.

The garden, which is sponsored by an anonymous donor, won gold at this year's show.

Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt launched Cancer Research UK's first ever night-time walking marathon Shine by posing in a bespoke, illuminated dress designed especially for her by Wayne Hemingway's design team, who also designed an exclusive Shine T-shirt.

Kimberly Wyatt said: "I’m thrilled to support Cancer Research UK’s first ever night-time walking marathon, Shine. Most of us will be touched by cancer at some point in our lives – if not directly then because of a loved one or relative being diagnosed.

"Cancer Research UK is making real progress towards beating cancer and this dress symbolises the fact that advances in treatments bring light to those affected by the disease."

Designer Wayne Hemingway said: "Every member of the HemingwayDesign team is thrilled to support Cancer Research UK’s Shine event.

"Kimberly Wyatt looks absolutely fantastic in the dress.

"We all know someone who has been affected by cancer in some way and want to do our best to help fund research for the generations of people affected by the disease in the future."

Apprentice stars Philip Taylor and Noorul Choudhury joined 7500 participants at the Shine event in Manchester on 17th April. Football legend Denis Law, who has survived prostate cancer, wished the walkers well before sounding the horn to officially start the event , from which the charity hopes to raise £1m.

Singer Amelle Berrabah completed her first event tandem parachute jump this year, all in aid of Cancer Research UK. She raised funds and awareness for the charity in memory of her dad who died of cancer nearly eight years ago.

Amelle was helped on the day by The Red Devils Parachute Regiment and the British Army's official parachute display team.

"I'd definately do it again, it was amazing and out of this world," said the 25 year old Sugababe after landing safely in the sunshine at the Joint Services Parachute Centre in Netheravon. "I panicked a bit at the exit door but Nathan my instructor was so good. All these guys are amazing they make you feel really calm."

You can sponsor Amelle by visiting her fundraising page - www.justgiving.com/Amelle-Berrabah

Music fans had the opportunity to catch a very special performance from rock legend Robert Plant at Cancer Research UK's fifth Sound & Vision event. Plant gave a unique performance with support from American singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman and the London Oriana Choir.

The event, which took place at Abbey Road Studios, was hosted by BBC Radio 2 DJ 'Whispering' Bob Harris, who is patron alongside 'the fifth Beatle' Sir George Martin. In addition to Plant's set, David Gray and Newton Faulkner also performed on the night.

Robert Plant said: "Cancer Research UK is a very worthwhile cause, and when Bob asked me to get involved I didn’t hesitate… Cancer is a disease that affects so many people and Sound & Vision is a great way to raise money to fight it."

Bob Harris, patron of Sound & Vision and cancer survivor, said: "I’m thrilled and proud that Robert Plant took part in this year’s Sound & Vision. .. It’s truly inspiring to see him and so many other respected names from the music and photography industry come together to help raise money for Cancer Research UK’s lifesaving work."

Alongside the live performances, the audience were also able view and bid on a selection of iconic and exclusive photographs and memorabilia from rock music history. This year's auction included signed and limited edition prints by photographers such as John Rankin, Brian Aris, Gered Mankowitz and Nadav Kander, a one-off Blur gig map signed by all the band members, an exclusive set of signed album covers including signatures from Pink Floyd and Jimmy Page, and handwritten lyrics from the likes of Robert Gillespie, Tori Amos and The Doves. Also auctioned on the night was a very special Robert Plant memorabilia package, including amazing images from his time with Led Zeppelin and a platinum disc celebrating sales of 'Raising Sand', his grammy award winning collaboration with Alison Krauss.