PEOPLE across Essex are being urged to bite back at cancer by putting on their on brunch-themed fundraisers.

Stand Up To Cancer has teamed up with Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch and a some famous faces to encourage everyone to cook up cash for the charity’s life-saving research.

Among the famous faces is Finchingfield’s Jamie Oliver who lies at the village’s famous Spains Hall.

Foodies and fundraisers alike are being asked to create a restaurant-style experience at home by hosting a ‘Sunday Brunch-Raiser’ for friends and family.

Residents can get a free fundraising kit kit online with everything supporters need to turn their home into an exclusive brunch spot.

They can choose to conjure up their own recipes or take inspiration from cuisine conjured up by chefs like Jamie Oliver.

Famous chefs across the country have donated recipes for people to try out including Jamie Oliver’s Berry Pocket Eggy Bread.

Other celebrity chefs and food lovers who have donated recipes include Sunday Brunch co-presenters Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy and the Hairy Bikers.

It comes as Stand Up To Cancer, which is a joint campaign by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, aims to speed up progress on ways to fight cancer.

According to the campaign, in East Anglia around 36,800 people are diagnosed with cancer every year.

Michael Jarvis, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Essex, said: “One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it.

“That’s why we need people across Essex to help us turn up the heat on cancer.

“Thanks to the extra time spent at home during the pandemic, many of us now know our way around the kitchen much better than before, so why not put these newfound culinary skills to use whilst inspiring guests to dish up the dosh for a great cause.

“By hosting a Sunday brunch for Stand Up To Cancer you’ll be rewarded with more than just empty plates.

“Every penny raised will fund research that will get new tests and treatments to people who need them most.”

From September 26 the Channel 4 staple Sunday Brunch will also be showcasing some of the delicious Stand Up To Cancer recipes.

Sunday Brunch co-host and chef Simon Rimmer said: “Stand Up To Cancer is such an important cause, funding research to help people with cancer.

“People like my dad. I remember vividly the moment I was told he had cancer.

“I was only nine years old and it hit me like a ton of bricks. He’s the strongest man I know and thankfully he’s still here with us today.

“I’m so excited Sunday Brunch for Stand Up To Cancer is back for the second year running.

“That’s why I’m asking people to join me in Standing Up To Cancer this October by hosting your very own Sunday brunch.

The campaign will continue throughout September and October, culminating in a night of TV on Channel 4.