It is very difficult to find anyone whose life has not been affected by cancer in some way, and even with advances in technology and treatment, it continues to affect millions of people. As a result, funding is still needed in order to research new ways to fight the disease in its many forms. Stand Up To Cancer has launched three virtual reality (VR) films staring well-known UK celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Olivia Colman, Danny Dyer, Jo Brand and Jason Manford, among others to give viewers insight into elements of the campaign.
Stand Up To Cancer is a joint fund-raising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, which seeks to raise money to accelerate cancer research aimed developing new treatments that will help save lives.
In the first film of the series, Olivia Colman takes viewers on a trip through the human body, shrinking to the size of a cell and demonstrating the use of ‘nano-tech rug parcels’ for cancer treatment. Another film sees Stephen Fry exploring the history of cancer, from its earliest known instances in dinosaurs to recent scientific breakthroughs.
Olivia Colman said: “I’m so proud to be a part of these exciting films and dearly hope it will spur more people on to raise money for Stand Up To Cancer’s research. With the extraordinary advances being achieved by this country’s most exceptional minds, it’s an important story to share. Such amazing things are happening in labs right here in the UK.”
Stephen Fry, who was treated for prostate cancer earlier this year, said: “I’ve always believed that history matters greatly. The past illuminates the present. The history of cancer is a pivotal and fascinating story. These wonderful films for Stand Up To Cancer lay that past bare, taboos and all, and stand testimony to the huge strides humans have made in beating this horrible disease.”
Special headsets for the experience are available at WHSmith stores all across the UK. For future coverage of new and upcoming VR experiences, keep checking back with VRFocus.