TEENAGERS Jade Kaya and Emily Butler put themselves in the firing line to raise funds for the Cancer Centre Campaign.

The youngsters were blasted with paint as they took part in the Run or Dye colour 5k run at London's Excel.

But they couldn't be happier.

The best friends took on the challenge to raise money for the campaign, which is supported by the Gazette, as a way of saying thank you for the kindness and support Jade's father, Sonny, received during his treatment for cancer.

Mr Kaya, 51, who is a director of his own import and export company, was diagnosed with tonsil cancer last December and underwent six weeks of gruelling chemo and radiotheraphy at Essex County Hospital.

Wife Rachel said: "He was a fit and active guy. He doesn't drink or smoke, he is just someone you would never have thought would be affected.

"His treatment was quite radical but the staff, the doctors, the consultant were absolutely amazing."

To support the girls' fundraising efforts, go to www.justgiving.com/Jade-Kaya-Emily-Butler/ or text JKEB99 TO 70070 for text donations.