CALLING ON THE NORTH TO JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST PANCREATIC CANCER

Pancreatic Cancer Action is asking the North to Join the Fight against pancreatic cancer at their annual Striding for Survival walking challenge in Wakefield on 4^th September. This is a 3km, 5km or 10km walk or run held for the first time in the traditional English park, Thornes Park, Wakefield and will kick off at 10am. The challenge was established in order to raise the profile of pancreatic cancer and generate funds.

The first walk, Striding for Survival; Virginia Water, held in 2011 and was organised by Rachael Rogan who lost her father to pancreatic cancer. Rachael said: “The reason I set up Striding for Survival was that it was 25 years since my father died from pancreatic cancer. Since his death the stats haven’t changed at all…The aim is to stride to survive and ensure more people survive this terrible cancer.”

Gillian Simpson from Ossett, lost her husband Malcolm from pancreatic cancer in 2014 just six months after he was diagnosed. Gillian was keen to bring the event to the North to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.

She says: “Although this charity is based in Hampshire, pancreatic cancer doesn’t recognise the north/south divide! This devastating cancer takes away our loved ones where they are from; whoever we are. We need to fight it in as many ways as we can – so this walk brings people from our community together to do just that.”

Holly, fundraising assistant at Pancreatic Cancer Action says: “This is a great opportunity to get families together to enjoy a walk round this lovely park AND raise awareness and funds for Pancreatic Cancer Action!

“We are delighted that people are kindly giving their time to support Pancreatic Cancer Action. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals to help us continue our vital work.”

Pancreatic Cancer is the UK's fifth biggest cancer killer and 24 people die a day from the disease. The 5 year survival rate is just 4%, a figure which has not changed in over 40 years. Most pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed too late. Pancreatic Cancer Action is determined to get more patients diagnosed early and in time for life-saving surgery.

Pancreatic Cancer Action is committed to working towards earlier diagnosis of the disease so that surgery, currently the only cure, is made available to the sufferer.

Join us to honour all those affected by pancreatic cancer in this family friendly event: visit www.pancreaticcanceraction.org, e-mail fundraising@panact.org or call Lucy on 0303 040 1770. Registration is 10 and free for 16 and under!