TV Apprentice Claire Young backs Birmingham's good causes

Jul 25 2008 By Will Oliphant

APPRENTICE runner up Claire Young was just one of a host of stars launching Birmingham rock station Kerrang!’s new £1 million charity appeal.

The feisty contestant, due to start her new job with Blues boss Karren Brady later this year after meeting her on the show, showed her gentler side when she was at the station supporting the event for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

"’m going to be moving up here later this year,” she said. “And when I do anything I do it's per cent, that’s why it’s important to me to get involved with local charities and local campaigns.

“Three teenagers a day are diagnosed with cancer and there aren’t always the facilities to cater for them so it’s important that people really get behind this cause.”

The 28-year-old also said she was in training to start her new job. “I’m becoming a committed Bluenose. I’m busy learning about the offside rule and when the new season comes around I’ll know more about football than a lot of players,” she said.

Kerrang! drivetime DJ Kate Lawler launched the campaign along with fellow DJ and television presenter Christian Stevenson and her old Big Brother housemate-turned This Morning presenter Alison Hammond.

Kate said: “I’m really excited about this, it’s a fantastic cause and we’re all looking forward to the events that we’ve got planned to raise the money.

“It’s a charity that makes a huge difference to lives of teenagers with cancer and this is going to help them have the top class facilities they deserve.”

MD of Birmingham City Karren Brady, who is also supporting the campaign, said: “I’m delighted to support such a worthwhile appeal and I would urge the people of the Midlands to get behind the Teenage Cancer Trust.