09 Jul 09

Coolabi and Yorkshire Cancer Research are working together on a new initiative – with a little help from the Clangers. The iconic characters, licensed by Coolabi, will play a pivotal role in plans to raise vital funds for cancer research at Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York Universities and associated teaching hospitals.

Coolabi and Yorkshire Cancer Research will be employing the Clangers in two ways: both directly in fund-raising schemes and also in collaboration with well-known Yorkshire companies. The partners are inviting Yorkshire companies to join with them in co-branding their products to raise not just funds but awareness of Yorkshire Cancer Research’s work.  Yorkshire Cancer Research is already in talks with a number of businesses in the Yorkshire area and is aiming to work with manufacturers, service suppliers and retail outlets throughout the region.

The choice of the classic Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin creations was a simple one. YCR was looking for a popular brand with a positive and likeable image, but one whose appeal went beyond the children’s market. The Clangers, who are friendly and adventurous but also loving and supportive, not only project a positive message but have lasting appeal across the generations. Although they first appeared on television in 1969, their adventures on their little planet covered in metal lids are still seen on children’s television and bought on DVD – and not just by children. The Clangers are fondly remembered by adults too, regularly appearing in lists of the all-time greatest children’s programmes and enjoying a sizeable market as cult characters with a strong retro appeal.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is the most successful regional research charity in the UK, channelling over £6 million a year into research into the causes, treatment and cures for cancer. The research is carried out at centres of excellence in Yorkshire to give cancer sufferers in the region access to some of the best treatments and therapies but it is also published and shared with the world’s scientific community for the benefit of all.

Coolabi specialises in the ownership, development, creative management and exploitation of high-quality intellectual property assets. Its properties include Purple Ronnie and Scarlett & Crimson. In addition it licenses rights to selected properties that include the Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin trio of properties Bagpuss, Ivor The Engine and, of course, the Clangers.

Clair Chadwick, Head of Marketing and Fundraising for Yorkshire Cancer Research, says: “The Clangers appeal crosses the generations – from adults for whom they are a part of growing up to new generations of pre-school viewers. It is this universal appeal that made the Clangers – and Coolabi – an ideal choice as fundraising partner. We believe that companies across Yorkshire will be delighted to be associated with these well-loved characters”.

Janet Woodward, Head of Licensing at Coolabi, says: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with one of the UK’s most highly respected and successful regional charities. We are certain that the popularity of the Clangers and the positive message that their fans, young and old, associate with them will help this innovative scheme to boost awareness and raise funds to help Yorkshire Cancer Research in its vital work.”

For further information please contact :

Jane Garner & Sallie Deary

jgarner@kilog.co.uk  /  sdeary@kilog.co.uk

kilogrammedia ltd

Bury Barn

Brent Pelham

Hertfordshire

SG9 0AU

t  + 44 ( 0 ) 1279 778 919

f  + 44 ( 0 ) 1279 778 929