Macmillan launches new brand advertising campaign

Leading cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support is launching a three-month brand advertising campaign on 15th August 2011 to reach out to the 19 million people living with, or directly affected by, cancer in the UK today.

The theme of the campaign is that cancer is a tough journey and the Macmillan team is here to support you every step of the way.

A 60-second advert features five cancer patients telling viewers how the Macmillan team - from the nurse, to the benefits advisor, to the support line expert, to the online community – has helped them. Based on the ‘every step of the way’ theme they are all filmed from below the knee. The television advert will air on terrestrial and satellite channels during the daytime, evenings and weekends.

In addition to the advert, Macmillan will be running a series of print adverts across national and regional newspapers, magazines. They will also appear on billboards, bus shelters, and via door drops and in a number of healthcare environments as well as online.

Hilary Cross, Director of External Affairs at Macmillan Cancer Support says:

“Cancer is often the toughest fight many people will have in their lives, and sadly there are millions of people affected by the disease. We need them to know that there’s a team of people ready to support them and their loved ones at every stage of their cancer journey and beyond. One of the key ways of reaching them is through a fully integrated brand advertising campaign. We believe this ambitious campaign will successfully raise awareness of our charity and increase the uptake of our services.”

Audiences will be directed to Macmillan’s support Line 0808 808 00 00 and the website www.macmillan.org.uk.|

To view the advert click here|.

For further information, please contact:

Sarah Ross, Senior Media & PR Officer, Macmillan Cancer Support
0207 840 4722 (out of hours 07801 307068)
SRoss@macmillan.org.uk|

Notes to Editors:

• The brand campaign runs from 15 August to 31st October;
• The TV advert was directed by BAFTA-nominated Lucy Blakstad;
• Macmillan worked with creative agency Arthur to develop most elements of the campaign, freelancer Paul Currah to develop online advertising, and media buying agencies PHD and Vizeum;
• Advertising space has been kindly donated by a number of media owners including T4 and CityBox

About Macmillan Cancer Support

Every day more people face the toughest fight of their lives. For cancer support every step of the way, or to find out how you can support their work, call Macmillan Cancer Support free on 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk|