Look To The Stars News: Teenage Cancer Trust

Charitable Celebrities To Receive 21st Century Leaders Awards

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Celebrities will be out in abundance in Doha, Qatar, next week for the Whatever It Takes Experience presented by 21st Century Leaders and Whatever It Takes.

As well as a private art experience and gala dinner, several stars will be honored with 21st Century Leaders Awards at this massive charity event.

The Doha 21st Century Leaders’ Awards are granted to individuals who, whilst being leaders in their own fields, have also made a serious commitment and significant impact on their chosen cause.

The award is given to individuals who have used their influence to raise awareness, their celebrated status to raise funds, and the respect and notoriety which they have gained from successes in their chosen profession, to make positive policy changes to progress either environmental or humanitarian concerns.

Friday, October 30, will see Sir Ben Kingsley CBE, Venus and Serena Williams, Josh Hartnett, Danny Boyle and Christian Colson honored for their outstanding charity and humanitarian work. A surprise guest will open the event, and an art exhibition will also take place featuring original artworks by George Clooney, Stella McCartney, Sir Roger Moore KBE, Sir Michael Caine CBE, and Lady Shakira Caine, Sir Ian McKellen, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, Laurence Fishburne, John Travolta, Pierce Brosnan OBE, Morgan Freeman, Charlize Theron, Minnie Driver, Lucy Liu, Susan Sarandon, Courteney Cox & David Arquette, Whoopi Goldberg, Penelope Cruz, Benicio del Toro, Joseph Fiennes, Anjelica Huston, Christian Slater, Harvey Keitel, Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, Gillian Anderson, Hilary Duff, Adrien Brody, Mickey Rourke, Robin Wright Penn, Patrick Stewart, Lauren Bacall, Stephanie Powers, Toni Collette, Daniel Craig and many more.

An active supporter and patron of charities such as the Prince’s Trust, Teenage Cancer Trust and First Star, English actor Sir Ben Kingsley CBE is very much devoted to helping disadvantaged young people and children. In 2008, Kingsley was awarded the “Cinema for Peace Honorary Award”, for the portrayal of the humanitarian role-models Simon Wiesenthal, Itzhak Stern and Gandhi.

In April 2009, following the success of Slumdog Millionaire, filmmakers Danny Boyle and Christian Colson announced a commitment of £500,000 to Plan, an international children’s development organization. The money will be spent on a five-year program focusing on education and sanitation, designed to improve the lives of children in Mumbai’s slum communities. In consultation with Plan, the filmmakers have also founded the Jai Ho Trust, an independent trust which aims to ensure that Rubina Ali (who played the youngest Latika in the film) and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail (youngest Salim) receive an education, housing and social support. The trust will also hold a sum of money for the two children until they reach adulthood.

American actor and film producer Josh Hartnett supports a number of worthy causes and has backed Global Cool, a charity focused on climate change since its inception. Launching with a reception at No.10 Downing Street in London in 2007, Josh Hartnett met with former Prime Minister Tony Blair on behalf of the group and has since taken the message of greenhouse gas reduction far and wide, to let people know that they really can make a difference to the environmental health of our planet.

Professional women’s tennis players whom have won a combined 12 Grand Slam titles. The Williams sisters have demonstrated an immense amount of charitable work off the court. The “Williams Sister’s Tour” set out to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities which provides housing for families of seriously ill children. In addition, Serena started The Serena Williams Foundation which focuses on education, and helping underprivileged children in Africa who cannot afford to go to school or college to do so.

WhateverItTakes.org is a unique charity artwork project which inspires hope by gathering artworks from leaders in all fields; royalty, film, music, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, sports, literature etc. The artworks are used to ethically produce Whatever It Takes products which are then sold to raise funds for charitable causes chosen by each contributing leader. 21st Century Leaders Foundation’s mission is to assist and encourage a generation of influencers – royalty, Nobel peace prize laureates and well-known leaders in the fields of film, music, fashion, art and literature – to raise awareness and funds for international development causes, thereby leading the way in promoting positive environmental sustainable development. 21st Century Leaders was founded in May 2003 when Charlotte di Vita was made a Goodwill Ambassador to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. 21st Century Leaders was also the 10th Anniversary celebration of Trade plus Aid, the foundation for which Charlotte had received an MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

To find out more about this event – to be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Doha on October 30/31 – click here.

Celebrities Do Whatever It Takes For Charity

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A huge selection of celebrity-designed bags and T-shirts are currently available at the UK’s premiere celebrity charity auction website, Buy Once Give Twice.

The auction site is hosting the auction for Whatever It Takes, a unique charity artwork project which inspires hope by gathering artworks from leaders in all fields; royalty, film, music, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, sports, literature etc. The artworks are used to ethically produce Whatever It Takes products which are then sold to raise funds for charitable causes chosen by each contributing leader.

Going under the hammer in the auction are T-shirts featuring designs by The Killers, Pink, Snoop Dogg, Nicole Kidman, Hilary Duff, Lucy Liu, Toni Collette, Coldplay, Minnie Driver, Keane, Whoopi Goldberg, Green Day, Barry Manilow, Penelope Cruz, Melanie C, Annie Lennox, and the Kaiser Chiefs. There are also bags and purses designed by Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, Lucy Liu, Kanye West, Slash, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, and Stella McCartney.

Charities supported by Whatever It Takes include: Adopt-A-Minefield, Anti-Slavery International, Breast Cancer Campaign, CARE, Children of the Andes, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Christian Children’s Fund, City at Peace, Comic Relief, Dreams Can Be Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Greenpeace, Healthlink Worldwide, Heifer International, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, Red Cross, LIFEbeat, LifeLine & Rape Crisis PMB, Opportunity International, Oxfam, ROTA, Rights and Humanity, S.A.F.E., Save the Children, Sharon Osborne Colon Cancer Program, Snoop Youth Football League, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Teenage Cancer Trust, The BRIT Trust, Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, Little Dreams Foundation, Lotus Outreach, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Toothfairy Foundation, Trade plus Aid, UNHCR, UNICEF, and WaterAid.

To make a bid in the auction, which runs until June 30, click here.

Attend An Audience With Jerry Springer For Charity

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Linda St Cyr

Jerry Springer, host of The Jerry Springer Show and former mayor, is doing some incredible things with his time all in the name of charity.

Jerry is currently playing Billy Flynn in Chicago the Musical and hosting an Audience with Jerry Springer on June 10. All of this is happening at the Cambridge Theatre in London. Tickets cost £50 and are limited in availability. Ticket price includes admission to the show and also to the special session with Jerry Springer.

An Aundience with Jerry Springer will be an opportunity for guests to have a Q & A session with Springer. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Karen Berman, professional fundraiser, and Jane Collins who will be running in the Chicago Marathon in October. This will be in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity that is devoted to improving the lives of teenagers and young adults who have been afflicted with cancer.

The charity builds units equipped with the latest medical equipment but which also have day rooms, chill-out rooms and kitchens and much more for teenagers with cancer. The goal is to make the units as comfortable as possible while the teens and young adults are there and to give them a place to build friendships while coping with their diseases.

Check out Chicago the Musical featuring Jerry Springer as Billy Flynn and then stay to be a part of “An Audience with Jerry Springer” on June 10 at Cambridge Theatre in London. Visit the Teenage Cancer Trust website for information on booking tickets in advance.

Win Tickets To See Blur And Support Charity

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Brit Pop band Blur are back, and you have the chance to win tickets to their comeback shows with proceeds going to charity.

The band – who released their last album in 2003 – have donated 46 pairs of tickets to “sold out fan-club only shows” to be held later this month as part of a special charity raffle. For only £5, fans can enter a competition to win the tickets to the shows at Goldsmith’s College in London (June 22) and the Colchester East Anglian Railway Museum (June 13).

Proceeds will go to the Aldham Village Hall, East Anglian Railway Museum and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The competition runs until June 9 and can be accessed here.

Celebrity-Led Fundraising Campaign Supports Charities In Their Hour Of Need

Fri, 22 May 2009 15:00:00 -0000

How would you like to meet some of your favourite celebs, in the flesh? Are you a fan of Daniel O’Donnell or Tim Henman, maybe Raymond Blanc or Rock Legend Suzi Quatro?

Or, maybe celebrities are not your thing, so how about the ultimate behind the scenes day with the Red Arrows or backstage on GMTV? Perhaps even own one of Paul O’Grady’s iconic Lily Savage dresses or a stunning print signed by Ali and Joe Frazier!

All these and a lot more form part of a very timely and innovative celebrity led fundraising campaign which launches on Thursday evening May 21st to provide hard hit charities with much needed revenue at a time when their donation levels are plummeting.

The BIG Bid campaign was created and built by the specialist charity support organisation, Ingenious Fundraising, in partnership with eBay for Charity and supported by the Charities Aid Foundation. It has been two years in the planning and can be found at www.ebay.co.uk/thebigbid. The campaign really is going live at a crucial time for the nation’s voluntary sector.

Campaign director, Paul Sayer, says ‘People seem to be fed up with doom and gloom stories at the moment so we hope they will indulge in a little retail therapy to lift their spirits. By treating themselves to something special they will also get a feel-good factor from knowing they are helping some very deserving causes into the bargain’.

‘We have found some exceptional items such as the ultimate VIP day for the Wimbledon Men’s Final with Tim Henman signing a special memento or how about a flight over London in a vintage airliner with a celebrity guest on board. These are experiences that just don’t come along every day, so should attract some real interest’.

About 25 charities will benefit from the campaign which runs for 10 days until Sunday May 31st including one of the nation’s most popular causes, Help for Heroes, along with Action for Children, CLIC Sargent, the Teenage Cancer Trust and many more.

Going under the hammer are items such as:

The Ultimate VIP Day with The Red Arrows. Really get behind the scenes at their Scampton home base.
Paul O’Grady’s Lilly Savage teddy bear dress
Meet Countdown’s own Rachel Riley
Meet Daniel O’Donnell in person in concert
The Ultimate VIP Day at Haydock Racecourse for The Sprint Cup as guests of Betfred – rub shoulders with a host of celebrities.
Meet Raymond Blanc and a host of celebrity chefs at amazing Gala Gourmet Dinner in Guildhall, London.
Ali v Frazier stunning signed print
Meet Rock Legend Suzi Quatro in concert
Men’s Finals Day VIP package with personally signed memorabilia by Tim Henman at Wimbledon 2009.
Pelé hand signed retro Brazil shirt with photo COA
Fully signed England Football Squad shirt donated by the FA
The X-Factor judges amazing art work Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh crafted in toast – yes toast!
Retro 1966 England Shirt signed by 20 of the World Cup winning squad and photo evidence
Meet the GMTV team – go backstage during a morning broadcast
Glastonbury signed shirts inc Kings Of Leon, The Fratellis and The Verve
Jeff banks own Olympic Bid Team Watch
Jools Holland signed memorabilia
Fly over London in an historic aircraft
Signed Brian Lara mini cricket bat
Stunning signed memorabilia from Lulu, Kylie Minogue, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Schumacher and many other stars of stage, screen, music and sport
Signed sheet music from Queen and Robbie Williams.

The Who To Play At Charity Ball

Mon, 11 May 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Legendary rockers The Who are to perform an acoustic set at the Teenage Cancer Trust Legends & Youth Ball on May 21.

Hosted by British comedian Matt Lucas, the event will be attended by high profile supporters including the Arsenal First Team.

The evening will kick off in the Woolwich Suite at Emirates Stadium. The Legends & Youth bars will mix delicious cocktails before a menu designed by celebrity chef James Martin is served.

The event will feature live performances by one of Britain’s brightest young stars, soul sensation V V Brown, and iconic music legends, The Who – featuring Pete Townshend.

To start the evening’s fundraising, there will be the chance to test your football knowledge with sporting heads and tails, take part in an exclusive auction, and dance the night away to music brought to you by international DJ Judge Jules.

“We’re honored to be playing at the Legends And Youth Ball to celebrate Arsenal’s fantastic support of Teenage Cancer Trust throughout this season,” said The Who’s Roger Daltrey, a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust. “I have been fighting for this cause for many years and I’m thrilled that this partnership has made and will continue to make a huge difference to young people with cancer.”

Funds raised from the Legends & Youth Ball will be split 80% to Teenage Cancer Trust and 20% to The Arsenal Charitable Trust. A limited number of tickets to the ball, priced at £1,200 per pair, are available. For more information, click here.

Roger Daltrey Plans To Pass The Charity Torch

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Roger Daltrey reportedly plans to step down from his role as organizer of the annual Teenage Cancer Trust concerts and pass the torch to musicians of a younger generation.

Daltrey – singer for The Who – has been behind the concerts since 2000, and has asked Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher and Stereophonics singer Kelly Jones to take on the responsibility.

“I would like to take the model of what we’ve done here and concentrate on getting it started in other countries now,” said Daltrey. “It does take an awful lot of energy. I call it my ‘yearly breakdown’. I would love to find someone from a younger generation to take over from me.”

Kelly Jones from The Stereophonics – who headlined a Teenage Cancer Trust concert at the Royal Albert Hall last week – is enthusiastic about the challenge.

“He asked me and Noel a couple of times to our faces. If you’re in a band and you can help people who are worse off, it’s not much to ask for,” he said. “It’s a big job and we’re like, ‘Come on Roger, you’d do it a lot better than us’, and he carries on doing it. I’ve never really given it as much thought as answering it with a serious tone. We’ll see. You see what happens in life.”

Pink To Star In New PETA Ad

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British funny man Ricky Gervais has revealed that he has joined a very special star for a new charity ad.

The comedian has posted a blog in which he says he has recorded the ad with Pink for PETA.

“Did a cinema charity ad for PETA,” wrote Gervais. “It’s a great idea and I play a rabbit, and Pink plays an alligator. I’ll post it when it’s all finished and shiny.”

Gervais is no stranger to charity work. Last year he appeared in the 2nd annual Stand Up for Heroes: A Benefit for the Bob Woodruff Foundation, and has also been involved in benefit shows for the Teenage Cancer Trust. He also committed the profits from a series of 2006 warm-up shows for his 2007 stand-up comedy tour to MacMillan Cancer Support.

The new ad sounds intriguing… be sure to check back to Look To The Stars and we’ll let you know when it’s shiny enough to be released.

Kasabian To Headline Teenage Cancer Trust Gigs

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Teenage Cancer Trust has announced the lineup for their annual concert season at the Royal Albert Hall in London in March.

Among the acts to perform this year – the ninth year the concerts have been held – are Kasabian and the Stereophonics. The concerts will culminate in a night of comedy hosted by Matthew Horne and James Corden, the stars of British TV series Gavin and Stacey.

“It’s great we can continue to support Teenage Cancer Trust and help them make a difference,” said Kasabian lead singer, Tom Meighan. “We were inspired after meeting some of the teenagers with cancer at our gigs last year and it really made us want to do more for the charity.”

The concerts are the brainchild of Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who and patron of the charity.

“At a time when your body is changing, your social life is everything and you’re trying to figure out who you are, getting cancer can seem like an impossible blow to take,” said Daltrey when he announced the lineup for the 2009 shows. "But thanks to The Teenage Cancer Trust, thousands of teenagers are taking it and coming out fighting.

“Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall raises essential funds to support the charity’s work. There will be seven completely new units built between now and the end of 2009. Everything about these specialist units has been designed to give teenagers the very best chance of a positive outcome. So show your support by coming to one of the gigs or making a donation.”

The 2009 Teenage Cancer Trust shows are as follows:

Tuesday March 24th – Antony and the Johnsons with Florence and the Machine
Thursday March 26th: Stereophonics plus special guests
Friday March 27th: Kasabian plus special guests
Sunday March 29th: An evening of comedy hosted by Mathew Horne and James Corden

Tickets go on sale on Friday, February 13. Information about where to buy them can be found at the Teenage Cancer Trust website.

Win An Arsenal-Themed Car With Teenage Cancer Trust

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Arsenal players Gael Clichy, Manuel Almunia and Robin van Persie swapped footballs for paintbrushes when they met with world famous cartoonist Gerald Scarfe at Arsenal’s training ground earlier this month.

The unusual meeting took place so that players could share their ideas with Gerald and help design an Arsenal-themed Citroën C4 which will be raffled to raise money for Arsenal’s Charity of the Season, Teenage Cancer Trust.

The car, generously donated by Arsenal Football Club’s official car supplier, Citroën, will feature the design which will be personally created by Gerald with the help of the players. Gael, Robin and Manuel shared their thoughts and ideas with the cartoonist around Club culture, supporters and what they felt it meant to be part of the Club.

Welcoming Gerald to the training ground Robin van Persie, whose father is an artist, said: “This is something different for us to be involved in and my ideas were very much centered around the pace of the game and the style of football Arsenal play. My father has been inspired in his work by the supporters and I’d like to see this reflected in Gerald’s design too. Gael and Manuel had very different ideas, so I’m looking forward to seeing how he puts all the ideas together to design this unique piece of art. I hope it inspires supporters to keep up their amazing fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust and I hope they buy lots of tickets to try to win the car!”

Artist, Gerald Scarfe said: “Although it’s a slightly unusual project, I am used to dealing with sportsmen from a distance, but the consultation today gives me the chance to understand exactly what these guys want – I need to make their thoughts work on the car to make it an interesting vehicle for the ultimate Arsenal fan.”

The specially designed Citroen C4 will be unveiled in February and will be on show at various locations including Emirates Stadium. Raffle tickets will be available to purchase in person at a number of outlets or via the partnership’s dedicated website www.beagoonerbeagiver.org. from March 2009.

Supporters will give input at a later date about what they would like to find inside the hatchback which can be won by buying a raffle ticket for just £2 from March 2009 with all monies going to the charity dedicated to improving the lives of teenagers with cancer.

Over the course of the season, through the ‘Be A Gooner. Be A Giver.’ campaign, the Gunners aim to raise £300,000 enabling Teenage Cancer Trust to increase its support for teenagers and young adults with cancer in the London area by building a unit within a brand new Day Care Centre at University College Hospital, London.

Arsenal is the first to commit to funding part of Teenage Cancer Trust’s unit in the Day Care Centre. The Club hopes that other organizations will follow their lead, helping the charity to raise a further £1.2million to complete the development of their unit.

The Education Zone will be a dedicated space where those being treated can keep up with their studies and also learn more about their cancer. The zone will include computers and laptops with wireless access, enabling them to contact their school, keep in touch with their friends and even join in with lessons via webcam.

For more information on the partnership or to donate visit: www.beagoonerbeagiver.org.

Roger Daltrey Joins Pete Doherty For Charity Concert

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rock legend Roger Daltrey – frontman for The Who – was joined by a special guest on stage in Bristol on Monday night for charity.

The singer shared the spotlight with Pete Doherty at the O2 Academy on January 12 in a one-off gig to benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust, of which Daltrey is patron. The 64-year-old Who legend asked Doherty – lead singer for Babyshambles – to perform with him after Doherty sang at the funeral of Daniel Squires, a teenage cancer sufferer he had struck up a friendship with.

According to NME, the pair traded vocals throughout the concert on over 10 Who classics, such as Magic Bus, My Generation, and Behind Blue Eyes.

Arsenal Dedicates Match To Teenage Cancer Patients

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Arsenal Football Club dedicated their Premier League match against Liverpool to their charity of the season, the Teenage Cancer Trust, on Sunday, December 21.

The charity received donations – equaling a day’s wages – from Arsenal players and support staff in an effort to help improve the lives of young people with cancer. They are encouraging fans to give what they can through the ‘Be a Gooner, Be a Giver’ Campaign with a goal is to raise $500,00 for the 2008/09 season.

Arsenal has also shot a short promotional film, ‘Do What I Say,’ which stars Arsenal players alongside teenagers with cancer. It was created and shot by the agency Brothers and Sisters and will appear on www.beagoonerbeagiver.org from 15 December until the dedicated match.

Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas said: “I visited the Teenage Cancer Trust unit back in August so I know what this means to the charity and the teenagers it helps. I encourage all supporters to follow our lead and give what they can. This advert is a bit of fun for the players and we hope supporters enjoy it, but there is a very real message in it about helping teenagers and we hope to raise lots of money for this worthwhile cause.”

Phil Collins Joins Drummers For Charity Auction

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

If you are a fan of drummers, why not have a bash at the fabulous new charity auction being held right now at www.buyoncegivetwice.co.uk.

A selection of drums signed by bands and drummers are currently going under the hammer (or should that be drumstick?) to benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust. Snares, cymbals, toms and bass drums autographed by Phil Collins, Sting and The Police, Elton John, Iron Maiden, Kasabian, Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and members of backing bands for Pink and Paul Weller are all on offer for a very limited time.

“I’m delighted to be supporting Teenage Cancer Trust’s Drummer Night auction and hope it will raise as much cash as possible for the charity,” said Mark Schulman, backing drummer for Pink. “I am a cancer survivor myself, as is my ex-wife, Kelly. I understand the challenges that patients go through, and I want to use my credibility as a drummer to raise awareness about such issues. I hope the auction can help raise enough money so that teenagers and young people going through cancer have access to specialized treatment centres, like those provided by Teenage Cancer Trust.”

Six young people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK, and the Teenage Cancer Trust builds units in hospitals to help improve their quality of life and increase their chances of survival.

The auction runs until December 15, and the drums can be viewed here.

Pete Doherty To Join The Who For A Day

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rocker Pete Doherty is to join The Who’s Roger Daltrey on stage for charity.

The 64-year-old Who legend asked Doherty – lead singer for Babyshambles – to perform with him after Doherty sang at the funeral of Daniel Squires, a teenage cancer sufferer he had struck up a friendship with.

“Roger was really impressed and touched when Pete performed for Daniel,” a source told Britain’s The Sun newspaper. “He has told Pete to choose a list of Who songs and they will perform them together. They are both really excited.”

Proceeds from the concert – to be held at the Bristol Academy in the UK on January 12 – will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity supported by Doherty and of which Daltrey is patron.

Roger Daltrey Launches Arsenal's New Charity Partner

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

English football club Arsenal has kicked off their new charity partnership with a little help from a famous rocker.

The Who’s frontman Roger Daltrey joined the club earlier this week at a special event to launch the Teenage Cancer Trust as the club’s new Charity of the Season. The Trust replaces TreeHouse, who reaped the benfits of being their chosen charity last year.

The partnership was launched at the charity’s specialist unit at University College Hospital in Euston, and the club hopes to raise £300,000 (US$600,000) to go towards a new education zone in the hospital.

“It was great to kick-off the partnership today and give the teenagers a chance to meet their idols,” said Daltrey, who is patron of the Trust. “I have been fighting for this cause for many years and I can’t think of a better partnership.”

He was joined at the launch by Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who was also excited at the possibilities the partnership represents.

“We look forward to working with Teenage Cancer Trust this year and raising vital funds to help… teenagers fight cancer,” he said.

The club will hold a series of fundraising events over the course of the upcoming football season, including a designated match day and the Annual Arsenal Charity Ball.

The Who To Donate Concert Proceeds

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Classic rock band The Who will donate all of the proceeds from an upcoming concert to charity.

According to their website, the band’s October 21 show at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan will benefit Detroit charities Gleaners Community Food Bank and Focus: Hope.

“The first gig we ever played in the U.S. was in Detroit and we have always had an affinity with this part of the country,” said singer Roger Daltrey. “[”Pete Townshend":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/984-pete-townshend] and I are very aware of the problems people are having in Michigan and feel we should give something back for all the support we have had over the last 40 years."

The Who are well known for their charity work. In the past they have raised almost £3 million (US$6 million) for the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT), which has been used to build specialist cancer units.

“Seventy per cent of young people with cancer still don’t have access to a TCT Unit,” said Daltrey. “I am working with other members of The Who to break through red tape and get specialist cancer wards built for teenagers suffering from this terrible disease. These units are a right, not a privilege. We all know that without teenagers, without their energy and their passion for music, we wouldn’t have rock and roll as we know it. It is our duty to fight for this group and give them a voice within the National Health Service.”

The band also established Double O – a charity focused mainly on drug and alcohol damage, domestic violence, sexual abuse, music education, emergency relief for International disasters, and young people’s prison reform – in 1976.

Tickets for the Michigan concert are available now from Ticketmaster.

Matt Lucas Applauds Arsenal's Charity Efforts

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British comedian Matt Lucas has paid tribute to English football club Arsenal’s efforts to raise money for autism research.

The TreeHouse Trust – a British charity that aims to transform the lives of families affected by autism – was the club’s chosen charity in 2007 and 2008, with over £519,541 (around US$1 million) being raised through a number of initiatives. A large portion of the money will go towards a new school for children with autism.

“Im so proud that Arsenal has been able to raise this amount of money for TreeHouse,” said Lucas, who is best known for his work in British comedy series Little Britain with David Walliams. “Its been a pleasure to see the partnership from beginning to end, being so closely involved and seeing first hand the wonderful work the charity does for autism education. I wish the charity good luck for the opening of its new school.”

The 34-year-old took part in Fantastic Feet earlier this year, an event which involved him creating artwork – with the help of TreeHouse pupils – with his feet. Some of the artworks will be used within the new state-of-the-art school, while others were auctioned at TreeHouse’s charity ball in May and raised over £5,000.

Author Nick Hornby, who was also part of fabulous feet, is also pleased with Arsenal’s fundraising.

“I never thought I would see my son Danny, who is a pupil at TreeHouse, up on the big screens at Emirates Stadium,” he said. “I certainly never thought I would get used to seeing him up there. TreeHouse has changed the lives of all of the children lucky enough to attend the school this year. Arsenal has been a huge part of that.”

Arsenal’s chosen charity for next season will be the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Pete Doherty Inspires Young Cancer Sufferer

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The press sometimes gives celebrities a hard time, concentrating on their problems rather than celebrating the good things that they do. One recent victim has been singer Pete Doherty, who has been quietly helping sick teenagers – such as 16-year-old British schoolboy Dan Squires, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer last November – without any publicity. Doherty not only invited the boy to one of his Babyshambles gigs, but also struck up a friendship with him.

“I only expected a meet-and-greet, but I got my own dressing room, watched the whole gig from the stage, hung out with the band afterwards and then got taken to the after-show party,” said Squires, who suffered a stroke last month and is now confined to a wheelchair. “It was incredible what they did because they didn’t need to do that.”

Squires, who has also met Oasis star Noel Gallagher and The Who’s Roger Daltrey, took gifts to one of Doherty’s gigs last week, and was surprised at the band’s response.

“I took them each a friendship bracelet for what they’ve done for me, and Pete just took off the bracelet he was wearing and gave it to me,” he told Journal Live. “He had also brought a book and signed the inside cover with a special message. It’s just lovely. I couldn’t believe it. I feel very privileged.”

Doherty also dedicated a recent concert to Squires and pledged to help raise more funds for his treatment.

“All of us have just been incredibly inspired by the Squires family’s stoicism and Dan’s bravery,” said the band’s manager, Adrian Hunter. “And [also] how well he is dealing with the card that life has dealt him.”

Doherty also surprised concert-goers at a Teenage Cancer Trust concert two weeks ago, when his band took to the stage unannounced in London. He had designed a pair of sneakers that were auctioned by the charity, and rushed straight to the gig from Sweden.

“Teenage Cancer Trust has seen on a number of occasions how musicians can really have a positive impact on young people going through a hard time,” said a spokesperson for the charity. “Babyshambles have really helped Daniel through this very difficult period and have been such an inspiration to him. We’re grateful to Babyshambles for deciding to donate to us through their guest lists.”

And Daniel hopes to hear more from his new friend.

“Pete and the band have just been absolutely amazing and hopefully I will be able to stay well enough to see them play again,” he said. “They have given me the goal to stay well. They’ve given me hope and something to look forward to.”

Leona Lewis Promotes Sun Safety For Summer

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Leona Lewis has designed a special headscarf to raise funds for a major charity’s new education campaign.

The 23-year-old was made an Ambassador for the Teenage Cancer Trust’s Sunburn campaign – a program to encourage young people to use sunscreen when out in the sun – in May, and has designed an exclusive limited-edition headscarf decorated with butterflies to celebrate her involvement.

The scarves will be available exclusively from British chain “Superdrug”, and cost £2.99 ($6US). They officially go on sale on July 2, but can be pre-ordered from the Superdrug website from today.

Lewis was also recently named – along with Red Hot Chili Peppers singer, Anthony Kiedis – the “Sexiest Vegetarian of 2008” by PETA. The pair beat opposition from Pink, Natalie Imbruglia, Bryan Adams, and others for the honor. She is also due to play at Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday Concert in London this Friday.

Gemma Atkinson Designs Hospital Room

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:32:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British actress Gemma Atkinson has helped design a special room at a hospital in Britain to give young cancer sufferers a place to chill out.

The 23-year-old created the room in association with the Teenage Cancer Trust at Manchester’s Christie Hospital, and hopes the facility will give patients an area where they can escape the confines of their ward.

“Teenage Cancer Trust is a great charity, supporting young people with cancer in Chester and throughout the UK,” she said. “I visited the unit in Manchester recently and I was inspired by the patients I met who all had such zest for life. I was amazed by their positive attitudes, despite going through such a terrible ordeal. I want to do as much as I can to support them.”

The room has a rubber floor, making it easier for wheelchairs to move on, and a magnetic wall to make displaying appointment cards and notes easier and safer. It also features a Playstation and iPod jukebox.

“I’m really pleased with it,” said Atkinson. “Hospital wards are quite dull and boring so I went to Christie’s and asked teenagers there what they want. I wasn’t aware teenagers got cancer, but six are diagnosed with it every day.”

London and Austin host GuitarTown for charity

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 07:12:01 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Sir Paul McCartney is among a group of celebrities who have donated giant guitars to exhibitions in both America and England, to be auctioned off over the next few months.

The exhibitions are part of the Gibson GuitarTown Galas And Auctions being held in London and Austin, and feature both 10-foot-high and regular-sized guitars designed and signed by artists and musicians. The sculptures have been on show in the cities for 10 weeks, and will soon be removed in preparation for the auctions, which will benefit a variety of local charities.

“I just fancied playing a big guitar!” joked Sir Paul, who signed a sculpture designed by cartoonist Rosie Brooks entitled And The Crowd Goes Wild. “I think this one will hopefully catch the imagination of the public and whoever is going to buy it at the auction, and raise money for [”The Prince’s Trust":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/116-princes-trust], the Teenage Cancer Trust, and Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy – which are all great charities."

GuitarTown London is an initiative of The Gibson Foundation, a division of Gibson Guitars that is dedicated to improving the quality of life through the support of arts, education, health and welfare, and environmental causes. It follows a similar event held in Nashville in 2005, which raised over $400,000 for local charities, and is coupled with an event currently being held in Austin, Texas. GuitarTown Austin features 65 giant sculptures and showcase guitars, which are currently on display in various locations around the city.

Celebrities such as Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, Jamie Foxx, Dennis Quaid, Lance Armstrong, and Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines have all contributed their signatures to the artworks, to be auctioned at a special event at the Austin Grand Atrium on October 17. Bidders will have the chance to attend the Gala evening or bid online, with all proceeds going to the Health Alliance For Austin Musicians, the Austin Museum For Art, American Youthworks, and the Austin Children’s Museum.

“This public arts project showcases the enormous talent of both Austin’s visual and musical artists in the community,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, CEO of Gibson Guitars. “I hope Austin GuitarTown strikes a chord in people’s souls.”

The London GuitarTown Gala and Auction will be held on November 8, in the Indigo Room at the O2 Dome, and the sculptures are currently on display at More London in South Bank. Other artists to have contributed to the 61 items include Rod Stewart, Katie Melua, Corinne Bailey Rae, KT Tunstall, the Kaiser Chiefs, Ozzy Osbourne, Slash, James Blunt, Cliff Richard, Mark Knopfler, and Roger Waters.

“It seems the electric guitar is here to stay,” said Brian May, guitarist for Queen, who has two works included in the auction. “Gibson GuitarTown London looks set to become a glorious testament to this fact, and will be raising money and awareness for three great charities. I’m proud to endorse its imminent success.”

More information on the exhibitions and auctions can be found at www.londonguitartown.com.

Noel Gallagher & The Who Perform For Cancer Charity

Sat, 03 Mar 2007 15:37:16 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

A six-day series of concerts for the Teenage Cancer Trust at London’s Royal Albert Hall will begin on March 26th, boasting Noel Gallagher and The Who among its line-up of stars.

The Who frontman Roger Daltrey has been a long-time patron of the annual event, but his group is appearing this year for the first time since the first event in 2000.

Daltrey announced the roster of performers on the charity’s website, saying, “Over the years these shows have really made a massive difference to the money available to build TCT units in NHS hospitals. They also give our teenagers the moral support to help fight this terrible disease.”

Other bands performing at this year’s concerts include Kasabian, the Kaiser Chiefs, The View and The Coral. Wednesday 28th March will see an evening of comedy in place of music, with Russell Brand and Noel Fielding performing.

More information about the concerts is available at the Teenage Cancer Trust web site.

"Modfather" Paul Weller Launches Guitar Campaign

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 12:21:21 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Former Jam singer Paul Weller has launched a campaign to build giant guitars for charity.

The Gibson GuitarTown exhibition will build 30 guitar sculptures across London by next summer, ready for 12 weeks of display beginning on 1st June 2007. Each sculpture will be designed and endorsed by famous musicians, including Queen guitarist Brian May.

All 30 Gibson Les Paul guitars will later be auctioned off for The Prince’s Trust, Nordoff-Robbins and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Speaking about the campaign, Weller said: “I am proud to be associated with the Gibson GuitarTown London campaign as it combines my passion and appreciation for the guitar, whilst raising money and awareness for three very worthy and deserving charities.”

[Update: the website for the campaign is www.londonguitartown.com]

Glenn Tipton's Guitar On Auction

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 19:38:17 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest has put his trusty Gibson guitar up for auction on eBay. The guitar is autographed and comes with a presentation case and a certificate of authenticity.

All proceeds from the auction go to Tipton’s favourite charity, Teenage Cancer Trust.

2006 Teenage Cancer Trust Performances

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 22:15:24 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

The Cure and Ricky Gervais will be performing for the annual Teenage Cancer Trust series. A full list of the performances, held in London from March 27th-April 1st, can be found at the Teenage Cancer Trust website.

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