Highcross to host Stand Up To Cancer ‘Tribute Workshop’

Highcross Leicester is to become a key part of Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer campaign, as it plays host to a dedicated workshop to mark the start of the ‘Tribute Mile’ installation in the city.

The ‘Tribute Workshop’ will open on Tuesday 9th December, running throughout the week between 10am – 6pm, inviting shoppers from across Leicestershire, and the East Midlands, to create and dedicate a lantern for someone close to their heart.

Throughout the week, Stand Up To Cancer ambassadors and TV personalities Adam Hills and Mel Schilling will visit Highcross to create their own lanterns, alongside the public, and show their support for the campaign.

Called the ‘Tribute Mile’, the campaign aims to unite people around the country with a powerful moment of remembrance, in the form of 5,000 illuminated and personalised lanterns; a memorial which will line a mile-long path through Leicester’s Abbey Park.

The official illumination, broadcast live on Channel 4, will take place on Friday 12th December, with the installation remaining open for the public to view on Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th December.

The ‘people-powered work of art’ is a collaboration between the broadcaster and Cancer Research UK; a partnership which aims to raise money, and awareness, to accelerate life-saving cancer research.

Situated in a unit on Highcross’ lower mall, next to Space NK, the free workshop will give families a dedicated space for a quiet moment of reflection as they create their lanterns in-person and prepare to honour a loved one.

As well as the option to make lanterns in-person at Highcross, with no pre-booking required, tributes are also welcome from people around the country via the Stand Up To Cancer Tribute Mile website, where they can select a design, submit a photo and upload their dedication.

Together, with those created in Leicester, their dedications will be memorialised in the trail, where it will be unveiled on live TV to millions of viewers.

Commenting on the centre’s involvement, Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross, said: “We’re honoured to host the Tribute Workshop here at Highcross. Cancer touches so many families in our community, and this space gives people a peaceful, meaningful way to remember those they love. We hope everyone who visits feels supported, connected and part of something truly special.”

Married at First Sight star, Mel Schilling, added: “It is an honour to be part of Stand Up To Cancer’s Tribute Mile. Every lantern represents a life, a story and a love that continues long after loss. Coming together as a community in this way, whilst shining a light on the urgent need for continued cancer research, is incredibly moving to me.

I’d like to personally invite those in Leicester, and further afield, to get involved by creating their lantern and donating to Stand Up To Cancer. Let’s turn our heartfelt tributes into a symbol of hope for all those impacted by cancer.”

The week-long Stand Up To Cancer campaign launched on Friday 5th December, leading up to the live event on Friday 12th December on Channel 4.

To find out more about Stand Up To Cancer and how you can support, visit channel4.com/SU2C or su2c.org.uk, or follow it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok.