LANDMARKS across the county are being urged to shine gold to support children battling cancer.

Highcliffe Castle, The Priory and the Mayor’s Parlour in Christchurch have already signed up to the second Glow Gold September, an international childhood cancer awareness campaign.

Vicky Turner is inviting everyone to a special event at the Mayor’s Parlour in Saxon Square on September 1. There will be a moving ceremony in memory of little lives lost to cancer and those currently battling the disease before the lights are switched on.

Vicky’s daughter Isabel Baker died from leukaemia just days after her first birthday.

Following her death Vicky, from Christchurch, set up the Isabel Baker Foundation which helps support bereaved parents.

Vicky said: “Hundreds of landmarks will be lighting up gold all around the world so if any more buildings can glow gold we’d love to hear from them.

“This event is close to my heart as my own daughter, Isabel died from cancer and since her death I have become extremely aware of the terrible facts and how much needs to change.

“Change begins with awareness and I believe that if we work together we can make a difference for the children in the future.”

Vicky hopes the event will raise some much needed awareness about childhood cancer – which claims the lives of around 250 children every year in the UK.

She said: “We are urging people to wear gold ribbons which can be purchased from us.

“Early diagnoses can save lives so we encourage people to take a card and learn the signs and symptoms to look out for.

“In most cases it won’t be cancer but we encourage parents to get their child checked over if they’re worried something may be wrong. The reason we are encouraging people to sign up is to raise awareness of childhood cancer which is critically underfunded.”

Everyone is invited to the family event on September 1 in Saxon Square which starts at 6.30pm before the lights are switched on at 8.30pm. There will be face painting and characters providing children’s entertainment.

To find out more about the Isabel Baker Foundation go to theisabelbakerfoundation.co.uk

To find out about the early symptoms and signs of childhood cancer go to bechildcanceraware.org