Hundreds expected to join the fight Against Pancreatic Cancer on at Striding for Survival Stormont on 29th November

Hundreds are expected to run and walk Striding for Survival, a course at the Stormont Estate in Belfast to raise funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer, the fifth leading cause of cancer death in the UK, on Saturday 29th November 2014. 

This event will benefit Pancreatic Cancer Action, a charity committed to working towards earlier diagnosis of pancreatic cancer so that surgery, currently the only cure, is made available to the sufferer.

All funds raised will go towards Action for Noel, a Pancreatic Cancer Action fund specifically aimed at funding their work in Northern Ireland.

Striding for Survival takes place in the picturesque grounds of the Parliament Buildings in the Stormont Estate in Belfast. Participants can take part in either a 5K run, 10k Challenge Walk suitable for more experienced walkers, a 5k Challenge Walk suitable for junior supporters and less experienced walkers. The 5k run is due to start at 1pm with the walking events to follow. To register your place, visit: https://pancreaticcanceraction.org/striding-stormont-2014/

The day will honour all those who are currently battling pancreatic cancer as well as those who have sadly died from the disease. Kerry Irvine, Pancreatic Cancer Action regional rep in Northern Ireland who is organising the event, will be honouring the memory of her husband Noel, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2011 after a seven month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Kerry said: "In Noel’s memory, I have pledged to continue fighting this deadly disease by fundraising and raising awareness in any way I can. Before Noel’s diagnosis in April 2011, I didn't really know anything about pancreatic cancer. Now I know that it has a shockingly low survival rate, and only receives 1% of research spend despite being the fifth leading cause of cancer death in UK. Holding events like Striding for Survival will hopefully make more people aware.”

Ali Stunt, found and CEO of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: "We can’t thank Kerry enough for organising this important event. The funds raised will help us continue our vital work raising awareness, educating the medical community, support patients and fund research into improving earlier diagnosis.”

Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of all 21 common cancers - just three percent of patients survive. This among the worst in Europe and this figure has not changed for over 40 years. Pancreatic cancer is anticipated to move from the fifth to the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the UK by 2030.

To learn more about pancreatic cancer and Pancreatic Cancer Action, please visit www.pancreaticcanceraction.org.