BLACKBURN TV presenter, AJ Odudu, is making a unique stand against cancer – dressed as Michelle Obama.

She joins stars of TV, radio and sport, who have channelled their favourite trailblazers to launch this year’s Stand Up To Cancer, a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.

The East Lancashire celebrity transformed into the former first lady to help highlight the need to support life-saving research.

To mark the return of the campaign, AJ is calling on people in the North West to get involved in Stand Up To Cancer’s Fortnight of Fundraising from 11-25 October.

She is encouraging everyone to take inspiration from her extraordinary makeover, raid their dressing up boxes and transform themselves in a funny, unusual or unexpected way to raise vital funds.

On her trailblazer of choice, AJ said: “Being that girl from Blackburn transforming into the former first lady felt really empowering. Michelle Obama is a real trailblazer. Not only is she a mum, but she relates to a whole plethora of people. She gives inspirational and iconic speeches which leave people feeling inspired, moved and motivated.

“Michelle inspires so many people, including me, and I want to show the public that just like Michelle we can make a difference too. I hope as many people as possible in the North West get involved, because together we can help beat the disease at its own game. For me, trailblazers are the ones who carry on despite the challenges and setbacks. Just like Stand Up To Cancer’s tireless researchers and fundraisers.”

Stand Up To Cancer unites scientist, celebrities and communities to generate funds, raise awareness and accelerate progress. A range of stars have taken on new looks in support of the campaign, dressing up as musical icons, historical figures and fictional characters such as Prince (Maya Jama), Nick Knowles (Joe Lycett), Cleopatra (Sam Thompson), Coco Chanel (Andrea McLean), Alan Turing (Greg Rutherford), Elton John (Roman Kemp), Bette Davis (Roisin Conaty), and Charlie Chaplin (Saoirse-Monica Jackson).

To get involved visit www.su2c.org.uk.