Soccer rivals come together for mesothelioma

They may be rivals, but British soccer teams Newcastle United and Sunderland both committed to assisting with a fashion fundraiser for Cancer Connections and The Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund. The Magpies supplied brand new full strips, while the Black Cats have provided gear for the show’s models, which strutted their stuff at the South Shields Customs House on September 1^st and 2nd.

The strips were used in a derby day routine, hosted by fashion show director Peter Darrant, in which everyone was a winner. The fashion Shoot, which was held on Thursday, Spetember 2^nd at the venue in Mill Dam, South Shields, was also presented and choreographed by Darrant,

"It’s great to see these teams and great rivals putting aside their differences for a great cause,” commented Darrant.

The events were sponsored by Complete Smile, Colmans, Asda Boldon, The Viking Centre, Majestic Bingo, Practical Compounds, Specsavers, Barbour, The Quality Hotel and Paper Moon. Cancer fundraising aside, this event has also spread awareness of mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs, chest and abdomen that is generally caused by prolonged asbestos exposure. Because it is so difficult to detect, asbestos cancer, as it is alternately known, is often detected in later stages and is ultimately fatal. Mesothelioma treatmentis, therefore, aggressive and usually composed of a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

For more information regarding Cancer Connections and The Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund, visit their respective Web sites at www.safc.com or www.nufc.co.uk.