Twilight star Peter Facinelli hopes to increase awareness of paediatric cancer through fans of the film series.

The 36-year-old actor, who plays Carlisle Cullen in the saga, spoke to PopEater about the need for funding to combate the disease in children.

He said: “Paediatric cancer is the leading cause of death by disease of children under the age of 18. But half of the drugs used to treat children with cancer are 20 years old.

“They have new research technologies, but they don’t have the money for it. What we’re trying to do is just help raise awareness, help fund this research, so we can stamp out cancer in children.”

Facinelli also spoke of his campaign work, promoting a celebrity “bake off” between himself, Joan Cusack and Glee star Jayma Mays in November which will raise donations for the non-profit organisation Cookies for Cancer.

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