Stephen Fry has encouraged the people of Norfolk to dress up in pink and blue on Monday to raise awareness and funds for ovarian and prostate cancer research.

https://twitter.com/stephenfry/status/951408345453228033

The famous writer, actor and Canary tweeted his support for Pink & Blue Monday to his 13m followers.

The first of its kind event is aiming to transform the typically glum Blue Monday by raising awareness and funds for an ovarian cancer research project at the University of Cambridge and a prostate cancer research project at the University of East Anglia (UEA).

The not for profit organisation Think Pink & Blue is asking individuals, offices and organisations to dress up in pink and blue and donate £2 towards the research projects.

As part of the day, participants are also being encouraged to visit The Forum at 12.30pm to create a Pink & Blue Storm, whereby a human Pink & Blue logo will be formed.

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: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Gentlemen's Walk, Exchange Street and the market are just a few of the areas in Norwich expected to undergo a makeover, with many of the shops and the majority of market traders preparing to go pink and blue on Monday.

First Buses and Jarrolds have also got on board for the fundraising awareness day while Kate Moorfoot, director of Jungle PR, has been promoting the event free of charge.

Sarah Softley and Ruth Thurston first established the organisation and both of their families have been affected by the cancers.

Mrs Softley said: 'With Mum going through yet more treatment for ovarian cancer over the Christmas period I feel more focused than ever to make a real difference.'

Eastern Daily Press: Professor Colin Cooper is leading the groundbreaking prostate cancer research project at UEA. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYProfessor Colin Cooper is leading the groundbreaking prostate cancer research project at UEA. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Only 3pc of women are very confident of spotting an ovarian cancer symptom, while prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with 500,000 men across Europe and North America diagnosed every year.

To donate £2 to the ovarian cancer research text 'TPBO81 £2' to 70070, or to donate to the prostate cancer research text 'TPBP81 £2' to 70070.

To find out more visit www.thinkpinkandblue.co.uk