I WOULD like to urge your readers to take the fundraising plunge for Cancer Research UK.

I lost my mum, Marie, to cancer in 1998, so I know just how important it is to raise vital funds for the charity’s lifesaving research, and help more people to survive.

This September I’m taking part in The Swim to raise £1m for Cancer Research UK. I’ll be teaming up with entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson and a host of celebrities to swim 56 miles across the Irish Sea.

We’re doing this as part of a relay team and we’re encouraging local people to grab their goggles and seize the chance to join us. There are two public places available on the team and strong swimmers who have raised at least £100 by July 15 could be in with a chance to win one.

Those who don’t fancy jellyfish, cold water and night swimming can still get involved by sponsoring the team or staging their own swimming activity.

By supporting The Swim and helping to fund Cancer Research UK’s crucial work, people in Oxfordshire could make a big difference to cancer patients here on their doorstep.

The good news is that more people are beating cancer than ever before and Cancer Research UK’s work is at the heart of that.

For more information about how you can get involved visit the-swim.co.uk. Sponsor the team at virginmoneygiving.com/ team/theswim RONAN KEATING, for Cancer Research UK