A not for profit organisation is hoping to bring some colour to the notoriously dreary Blue Monday.

Norwich Evening News: Allie Thurston, left, and Sarah Softley, second left, of Think Pink and Blue fundraising committee, with buses from First Eastern Counties raising awareness of ovarian and prostate cancer. With them are, from left, David Jordan, First buses; and sponsors, Geoff Tucker, Norse; Brenda Gostling, Almary Green; and David Schulte, Computer Service Centre. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYAllie Thurston, left, and Sarah Softley, second left, of Think Pink and Blue fundraising committee, with buses from First Eastern Counties raising awareness of ovarian and prostate cancer. With them are, from left, David Jordan, First buses; and sponsors, Geoff Tucker, Norse; Brenda Gostling, Almary Green; and David Schulte, Computer Service Centre. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The day, which this year falls on January 15, is known for being the glummest day of the year.

However, this year Think Pink & Blue Monday aims to rebrand the occasion, raising awareness and funds for ovarian and prostate cancer research.

The organisation is asking individuals, offices and organisations to dress up in pink and blue and donate £2.

The money will go towards a research project at the University of East Anglia (UEA) into prostate cancer and a research project at the University of Cambridge into ovarian cancer.

Norwich Evening News: Allie Thurston, left, and Sarah Softley, second left, of Think Pink and Blue fundraising committee, with buses from First Eastern Counties raising awareness of ovarian and prostate cancer. With them are, from left, David Jordan, First buses; and sponsors, Geoff Tucker, Norse; Brenda Gostling, Almary Green; and David Schulte, Computer Service Centre. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYAllie Thurston, left, and Sarah Softley, second left, of Think Pink and Blue fundraising committee, with buses from First Eastern Counties raising awareness of ovarian and prostate cancer. With them are, from left, David Jordan, First buses; and sponsors, Geoff Tucker, Norse; Brenda Gostling, Almary Green; and David Schulte, Computer Service Centre. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

As part of the day, participants are also being encouraged to visit The Forum at 12.30pm to create a Pink & Blue Storm, whereby a human Pink & Blue logo will be formed.

Sarah Softley and Ruth Thurston first established the organisation and both of their families have been affected by the cancers.

Mrs Thurston said: 'As friends that have both had family devastated by these two cancers we are determined not just to raise a lot of money for these local and regional research projects, but also to raise awareness of the symptoms. As we all know, catching these changes in the body early saves lives.'

Mrs Softley added: 'With Mum going through yet more treatment for ovarian cancer over the Christmas period I feel more focused than ever to make a real difference.'

First Buses is one of numerous organisations to get on board with Pink and Blue Monday, along with Jarrolds and the majority of market traders and many of the shops in the city centre.

David Jordan, marketing manager at First Eastern Counties, said: 'We are pleased to be supporting the Think Pink & Blue campaign in 2018. It is important to highlight the great work that goes on in raising awareness about prostate and ovarian cancers, the functions in place to support patients and families and the fundraising opportunities set up for people to get involved with.'

To donate £2 to the ovarian cancer research text 'TPBO81 £2' to 70070, or to donate to the prostate cancer research text 'TPBP81 £2' to 70070.

To find out more visit www.thinkpinkandblue.co.uk