In partnership with Leeds United, Yorkshire Cancer Research is encouraging fans to sign up and take part in Challenge90, their campaign to improve health and fitness and reduce the risk of developing cancer.

The Yorkshire charity is hoping to encourage fans to commit to 90 minutes of exercise a week – the length of a football match – until the end of the season, whilst raising vital funds to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the region.

Originally aiming to reach a collective goal of 100,000 minutes exercised this season, Challenge90 has now extended its target to 250,000 following great support from fans and household names including club captain Liam Cooper, actor Ralph Ineson, Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix and journalist Phil Hay.

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “We’re encouraging fans to get involved in Challenge90, and with the fantastic support of influential voices in the Leeds United community, we’ve been able to spread the word far and wide. It’s been amazing to see Leeds supporters coming together and smashing the original goal of 100,000 minutes of exercise. This is an incredible achievement, and we know we can clock up even more minutes during the rest of the season.”

Ralph Ineson said: “Almost every family is touched by cancer. I lost my father to it and recently watched my wife go through treatment. Getting involved with Challenge90 has been a fun way to honour them and raise awareness that we need to do what we can to keep ourselves fit and well. My dogs have loved the extra walks too.”

Kathryn continued: “Research reveals that regular exercise can help to prevent 13 different types of cancer, as well as help people with cancer respond better to treatment and reduce the risk of cancer coming back. Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer, so Challenge90 is particularly important.

“At Yorkshire Cancer Research, our aim is to give people living in the region more life to live. Challenge90 is helping to get Yorkshire moving, and alongside the Leeds United community, we can continue to march on cancer, together.”

To sign up to Challenge90 and to find out more, go to: ycr.org.uk/C90.