Cancer Research UK has been announced as the charity partner of Grafton Merchanting GB (GMGB), which owns Buildbase, Plumbase, Electricbase, PDM and Hirebase.

The builders and plumbers merchants chose the charity as its 2015/16 partner following a vote conducted by 5,500 staff nationwide.

Throughout the year, staff and customers will raise money to hit the £100,000 target, money which will go towards research to help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Mark Kelly, chief executive officer at Grafton Merchanting GB in Oxford, said: “We are really excited to be launching our new charity of the year partnership with Cancer Research UK.

“Cancer affects so many people and many friends, loved ones and colleagues have been touched by it.

“We have all kinds of fundraising events in the pipeline including hosting dress down days, BBQ’s and sporting challenges. A team of female employees will also be taking part in Race for Life this summer.”

Sheona McMahon, partnership manager at Cancer Research UK said: “Every two minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. With the help of GMGB staff and customers we’re working to fund research which will help more men, women and children survive.

“It’s fantastic that Grafton Merchanting GB have pledged to raise such an incredible amount of money for us in the coming year and we wish them the best of luck with their fundraising.”

Although the number of people being diagnosed with cancer is going up, survival rates have doubled in the past 40 years thanks to research.

Cancer Research UK receives no government funding for its research, meaning fundraising provides valuable support to the daily work of doctors, nurses and scientists who combat the disease.