Sandra takes the strain for charity

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 20th Jun 2006

Sandra Gidley, MP for Romsey, is preparing to take part in the annual Macmillan Cancer Support House of Lords vs House of Commons Tug of War, on 20 June at Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster.

The fundraising event aims to raise £140,000 for people living with cancer.

The event consists of five tug of war matches pitting 'rivals' against each other, testing their strength, team unity and shoe grips. Celebrity cheerleaders Mariella Frostrup, Ruby Wax and Sian Lloyd will be on hand to provide all the motivation the participants will need as they dig their heels in and do battle. Jeremy Vine will be commentating.

"I am delighted to be taking part in this event, which is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

"Statistics show that one in three people will get cancer during their lifetime. It's a disease which, directly or indirectly, affects us all and therefore it's vital that we all do our bit.

"Today's tug of war is a cross party event, so for once the three parties will be pulling together for a good cause."

The event, now in its nineteenth year, will raise vital funds for Macmillan, which offers a range of innovative cancer services and is at the heart of improving cancer care throughout the UK.