Stars back cancer charity founded by Cardross man

Dec 2 2011 by Amanda Mckendrick, Lennox Herald (main ed)

FILM star Scarlett Johansson, comedian Ricky Gervais and singers Usher and Bruno Mars have stripped off to back a Cardross man’s cause.

The internationally renowned celebrities are among those who have “loosened up” and handed over their ties to Cahonas Scotland’s celebrity eBay auction to help raise awareness and erase the stigma attached to male cancers.

Scottish stars have also given their support with donations from actor Kevin McKidd, singer Amy MacDonald, author Ian Rankin, sports star Kenny Logan and many more.

Among the items up for grabs are Ricky Gervais’ signed tie which he wore at the Golden Globes 2011 and signed Nike Air Jordans which R’n’B artist Usher sported on his world tour. Other items in the eBay auction include a tie worn by Bruno Mars on Saturday Night Live, a signed tie from Sopranos star James Gandolfini’s wardrobe and a Dolce and Gabbana tie kindly donated and signed by Scarlett Johansson.

Cahonas founder Ritchie Marshall, who lives in Cardross, said: “I basically just sent off some letters and emails to celebrities asking them if they would help us.

“I got an email back from Scarlett Johansson’s PA saying she would run it past her and I thought ‘yeah right’, but a few days later she got in touch to say Scarlett would be happy to help.

“Ricky Gervais donated the tie he wore at the Golden Globes and he has mentioned our auction on his blog which has helped publicise it.

“And Kelly Jones from the Stereophonics donated a scarf and then put it on their Facebook page which has almost 600,000 friends.

“The support we’ve received has been amazing.”

With men often tongue-tied when discussing or dealing with male health issues it is hoped that the auction will provide an innovative way to help bring positive change in male cancer awareness.

The charity, which is based in Clydebank, was launched by Ritchie and fellow colleagues within the voluntary sector two years ago and achieved charity status 18 months ago.

The 33-year-old added: “There are a lot of cancer charities out there doing a fantastic job, but our primary aim is to raise the profile of male cancer in Scotland.

“The auction marks the first public fundraising venture event for Cahonas Scotland and we are both thrilled and humbled at the support we’ve received from our celebrity donors.

“Already there have been £2300 worth of bids and that’s only been since Thursday – but it’s not just about raising money, it’s about publicity and awareness of male cancers.”

Fans can view the full list of participating celebrity ties and other donated items at www.loosenupauction.com.

The auction kicked off at 8pm on Thursday and is open to bidders across Scotland and the rest of the world until Sunday night, with all proceeds to Cahonas Scotland.