MP TOASTS BRITAIN'S BIGGEST BREAKFAST PARTY

1.24.48pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 3rd Mar 2006

LOCAL MP, Lorely Burt, today urged people to work up an appetite for a healthy breakfast and join Cancer Research UK's latest fund raising initiative, Britain's Biggest Breakfast.

The MP for Solihull joined other politicians in the House of Commons for a healthy breakfast party.

The MPs encouraged people to follow their example by either attending or organising a breakfast party to raise vital funds and help more people survive cancer.

Britain's Biggest Breakfast encourages people to host a breakfast party at any time of the day throughout March. The idea is that guests make a donation to Britain's foremost cancer charity.

Mrs Burt said: "Cancer will touch the lives of one in three people in the UK at some stage in their lives, so I feel very strongly about supporting Cancer Research UK and helping people realise the importance of eating healthily to help reduce the risk of cancer.

"It's also great fun to set aside political differences to share a civilized breakfast with MPs from different parties! As busy people, MPs are often guilty of skipping breakfast, so it's good to remind ourselves that it's actually the most important meal of the day."

Celebrity nutritionist Amanda Ursell is also backing Britain's Biggest Breakfast and asking people to hold their fund raising fundraising events throughout March 2006.

She said: "Experts believe around a third of all cancers are linked to diet, obesity and alcohol, so it's important to make sure you're getting your five daily portions of fruit and veg - and breakfast is a good place to start. You can really get your body going in the morning with a healthy meal, which will give you a boost of nutrients and mean you're less likely to snack on unhealthy foods before lunch."

Taking part in Britain's Biggest Breakfast is easy and fun. Cancer Research UK is asking people to organise a breakfast party any time, any place, anywhere during March, for family, friends or colleagues.

Parties can be held at home, in the office, at school - or anywhere. All hosts have to do is encourage their guests to make a donation to help Cancer Research UK fund raising its fundraising target of £225,000.

As well as raising vital funds for research into cancer, Britain's Biggest Breakfast is encouraging awareness of how eating a healthy breakfast, as part of a balanced diet including plenty of fruit and vegetables, can help reduce your risk of cancer.

To join Britain's Biggest Breakfast visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/breakfast or call the Hotline on 08701 60 20 40.