PEOPLE in St Helens are being called on to clear out their wardrobes to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September.

Residents are being urged to donate any pre-loved quality clothing, accessories and homeware they no longer need to TK Maxx’s Give Up Clothes For Good campaign, in support of Cancer Research UK for Children and Young People.

When sold in Cancer Research UK shops, each bag of items donated could raise up to £30 to help fund dedicated research into children’s and young people’s cancers.

In the North West, around 190 youngsters are diagnosed with cancer every year.

Anna Taylor, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Merseyside, said: “More children and young people than ever are surviving cancer. But there’s still so much more to do.

“Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults – from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment and the long-term side effects survivors often experience. So, it needs different, dedicated research which campaigns like Give Up Clothes For Good help to fund.

“Cancer still claims the lives of around 510 under 25s every year in the UK.** We want to help more children and young people in the North West, and across the UK, survive cancer with a good quality of life.

“That’s why we hope as many people as possible will show their support and donate any quality clothes or goods to their local TK Maxx store. Unwanted items really could save lives.”

TK Maxx is the biggest corporate supporter of Cancer Research UK’s work into children’s and young people’s cancers.

Since 2004, the retailer has raised more than £32.5 million to help improve survival.

People can donate at any TK Maxx store, all year round, including TK Maxx St Helens.

Supporters can also help raise funds by wearing a gold ribbon badge – the awareness symbol of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – available from TK Maxx and Cancer Research UK stores throughout September.

For more information visit cruk.org/childrenandyoungpeople or tkmaxx.com.