A CELEBRATION of the county's contribution to fighting cancer will be held on Saturday.

Timed to coincide with the third annual World Cancer Day, a public meeting to be held in Oxford at the Town Hall with contributions from those involved in battling and coping with the disease.

A host of speakers from Sobell House, Oxfordshire Public Health and Cancer Research UK will cover a range of topics including cancer surveillance, research, social welfare and palliative care.

Mark Lodge, Director of the International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research (INCTR) UK, said: "The day is all about making some noise about cancer.

"In 2014 I was over in Geneva and I realised we did not do anything to celebrate the amazing work we do in the county.

"We are very good in Oxford at doing all the research but what we are not so good is making noise about it."

The free event on Saturday will give residents bite sized presentations of the latest work and research in the fight against the disease.

Mr Lodge added: "Latest research suggests 52 per cent of us will have some form of cancer, which means everyone will be affected by the disease because at least one person you love will have it.

"So it is important people are informed as much as possible and know what is being done and what still needs to be done in the fight against it.

"We have some incredible speakers and we really hope this day will continue for many more years to come."

Hannah Gray, from Macmillan Cancer Support, will be speaking on the day and said she was 'delighted' to be able to represent the charity.

She added: "It will be a great opportunity for anyone affected by cancer to come along and find out more about the very latest developments and the support available on their doorstep."

In the week building up to Saturday's event, CLIC Sargent, the UK's leading cancer charity for children and young people, is encouraging residents to raise vital funds by wearing a Unity Band.

James McDonald, fundraising manager, said: "Today 11 children and young people across the country will hear the shocking news that they have cancer.

"When cancer strikes young lives CLIC Sargent fights tirelessly to provide the financial, emotional and practical support they need.

"This World Cancer Day we want everyone across Oxfordshire to 'band together' behind children and young people by donating to the cause and wearing a Unity Band.

"These simple acts will help more young people thrive and not just survive after their cancer diagnosis."

The wristbands are available from CLIC Sargent's website and are on sale in JD Wetherspoon pubs.

Before the main event on Saturday, Maggie's - a charity that provides free support for people with cancer and their family and friends, is opening its doors to everyone on Friday.

Working in partnership with Pure Gym in Templars Square, the charity is offering free health checks from 12noon to 2pm.

The centre, in Old Road, will also be running nutrition and yoga sessions.

World Cancer Day public meeting is free and open to all on Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm at Oxford Town Hall.