WESTMORLAND and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has thrown his support behind the campaign to help people suffering with cancer get a seat on busy public transport.

The Cancer On Board organisation has designed a new "Baby on board"-style badge to encourage commuters on busy trains and buses to give up their seat for fellow passengers who have cancer.

Mr Farron recently met with Cancer On Board’s Kate Ruane and James McNaught in Parliament to raise awareness for their campaign.

James founded Cancer On Board after experiencing difficulty on public transport during treatment for throat cancer. His struggles with the daily journey to hospital for chemotherapy and radiotherapy, combined with gradually losing his voice, were the inspiration for the badge.

The badge has had huge success on tube services in London, and now Tim wants to promote it on busy commuter trains in the North West.

Tim said: “For people with cancer in the South Lakes who commute to Lancaster or Manchester for work, or for those who rely on public transport to make the long journey down to Preston for radiotherapy treatment, a chance to sit down can make all the difference.

“People who are suffering from cancer may not always be visible, so this campaign is a great way to relieve a lot of stress and anxiety that is caused by having to stand on a crowded train.

“I would encourage anyone who is undergoing cancer treatment to head over to Cancer On Board’s website and request a free badge.”