Stephen Fry has shown his support for an ovarian and prostate cancer research gala dinner this Friday.

https://twitter.com/stephenfry/status/968100835933564929

The 60-year-old announced last week that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and had his prostate removed in January.

In a video posted on his Twitter account, the actor and comedian said: 'I've been keeping my head down as much as possible because you want to get better without strangers sending you cards and letters.

'It's a bit of a business having an operation like that, there are five holes punctured into you, it's like being stabbed five times... to the body it's the same traumatic effect.'

The Norwich City ambassador has previously tweeted his support for Think Pink & Blue, prior to announcing his own fight with the cancer.

Eastern Daily Press: Think Pink and Blue Monday in January raised awareness of the research and the symptoms of the cancers. Picture: ANTONY KELLYThink Pink and Blue Monday in January raised awareness of the research and the symptoms of the cancers. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

The Think Pink & Blue Gala Dinner is raising money for two regional research projects: an ovarian cancer study at the University of Cambridge and a prostate cancer study at the UEA.

Recent figures show that ovarian and prostate cancer research has fallen way behind breast cancer in terms of funding. Concurrently, treatment and awareness of breast cancer has improved while prostate cancer has recently become the third biggest cancer killer in the UK.

The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test can help detect prostate cancer in the early stages of development and allow for more effective treatment.

Kate Morfoot, managing director of Jungle PR and promoter of Think Pink and Blue, said: 'We are very grateful to Stephen Fry for supporting the Think Pink and Blue event, even before we knew his situation. High profile people can really help highlight taboo subjects and motivate people. In this case, motivating gentlemen to get a blood test to check their PSA levels.'

Eastern Daily Press: Think Pink and Blue Monday event at The Forum. Picture: ANTONY KELLYThink Pink and Blue Monday event at The Forum. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

The gala dinner is at 7pm on Friday March 2 at Open, Norwich, and will include dinner, an auction and live entertainment.

To book tickets, call 01603 757658. To donate, visit www.thinkpinkandblue.co.uk/how-to-donate

Eastern Daily Press: Allie Thurston, left, and Sarah Softley, second left, of Think Pink and Blue fundraising committee, with buses from First Eastern Counties raising awareness of ovarian and prostate cancer. With them are, from left, David Jordan, First buses; and sponsors, Geoff Tucker, Norse; Brenda Gostling, Almary Green; and David Schulte, Computer Service Centre. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYAllie Thurston, left, and Sarah Softley, second left, of Think Pink and Blue fundraising committee, with buses from First Eastern Counties raising awareness of ovarian and prostate cancer. With them are, from left, David Jordan, First buses; and sponsors, Geoff Tucker, Norse; Brenda Gostling, Almary Green; and David Schulte, Computer Service Centre. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)