Many of you already know that in November 2011, the father of a very dear friend of mine, Pete Dowen, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 62, a month into his retirement. He underwent major surgery on 15th December at the Freeman Hospital Newcastle, to have this removed, along with his spleen. His tumour was subsequently found to be an extremely rare type of cancer called "Acinar cell" type, comprising around 1% of all pancreatic malignancies. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy, though there is little research to guide his doctors as to whether this will be beneficial.

Pete’s Pancreas Project is a fundraising effort to finance some research to help people in a similar situation. All of the money raised for Pete's Pancreas Project will go directly to the Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust to aid research into this devastating disease. 

 

In June, a group of 20 of Pete’s close family and friends will attempt to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge. This is an event in which participants attempt to climb the highest mountains of Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours. Walkers climb each peak in turn, and are driven from the foot of one mountain to the next. The three peaks are:

•               Ben Nevis (1,344 m or 4,409 ft), the highest mountain in Scotland

•               Scafell Pike (978 m or 3,209 ft), the highest mountain in England

•               Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa (1,085 m or 3,560 ft), the highest mountain in Wales

The total distance walked is estimated at 42 kilometres (26 mi) or 44 km (27 mi), with a total ascent of 9,800 feet (3,000 m).

We hope that by raising some money for this cause we can help other patients and their families who are faced with this diagnosis.