The Coffee Club’s John Lazarou is joining a handful of Australian singers, songwriters and TV personalities to help promote Olivia Newton-JohnÕs Cancer and Wellness Centre appeal. Lazarou is one of 10 Australian and international identities chosen as an ambassador for the appeal and will work alongside the likes of Sir Cliff Richard, Dannii Minogue, Melinda Schneider and Tottie Goldsmith in helping to raise the profile and funds for Newton-John’s proposed cancer centre.

The request for The Coffee Club public relations director to help front the appeal follows LazarouÕs participation in last yearÕs Great Walk to Beijing. The international fundraiser was coordinated by the appeal to raise money for the cancer and wellness centre for the best in patient-centred care, medical treatments and research.

“Not only am I am extremely honoured to have been asked to take on the role of ambassador for Newton-John’s Cancer and Wellness Centre appeal, but this also gives me an opportunity to continue the fight against cancer for my own personal reasons and for the hundreds of thousands of people affected by this disease everyday,” Lazarou said.

“In December 2006 my brother Chris was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and tragically five months later he lost his battle against the dreadful disease. It was because of ChrisÕs battle with cancer and how his death affected our family that I took part in last yearÕs walk with Olivia, where with the help of friends and family I raised almost $15,000.”

Lazarou added “While significant funds have already been raised to date for the centre, there is still a lot to do to make this cancer centre a reality.

“One of my first activities as an ambassador is to create the Everyday Chef cookbook, which will showcase recipes from some of the most well known names in the entertainment industry. The book will have everything from sweet to savoury and give a unique insight into whatÕs cooking in celebrity kitchens,” he said.