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In November 2011, one of my long time friends came to me with devastating news that his father Pete had suddenly been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 62, a month into his retirement. Pete underwent major surgery on 15th December at the Freeman Hospital Newcastle to have the cancer removed, along with his spleen.

Despite this Pete still made it to his son Daniel’s wedding on the 6th of January and has since shown remarkable strength and courage in remaining positive throughout this time. Pete’s 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 and families who are put into a similar situation to Pete and his family. "The Dowen Trust Fund" has been set up by Pete’s son Daniel and his surgeon at The Hepatobiliary Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne. The project hopes that by raising money it can help other patients and their families who are also faced with this diagnosis.

In support of this (and in what I can only describe as "a moment of clarity"), I have decided to take part in the Stockton RIver Rat Race; a 10k run/swim/kayak in and around the River Tees.  For those of you that are familiar with the Tees you can understand why jumping in is a challenge in itself!  I have been assured by the Water authority that it "should" be safe to do so though the rats themselves might prove to be the real incentive to pick up my pace.  More details at http://www.ratraceadventure.com/riverratrace/

I am being joined by my good friend Dave Cooper who is just as excited as I am at the prospect of throwing himself into the RIver Tees from the HMS Bark Endeavour!

This is a cause that I support greatly, and I am hoping that as many people as possible will sponsor me, with all the money I manage to raise being donated to Pete's Pancreas Project at the Newcastle hospital.

I am sure everyone will agree that this is an extremely worthwhile cause, and any donation is greatly received and very much appreciated.

A website has also been set up providing more details on all previous and future events and some more background on Pete’s Pancreas Project. The website is linked to “twitter” and “facebook” and the intention is that this will be used as an interactive forum for family, friend’s, supporters and sponsors to propose ideas and get involved with the project.

http://www.petespancreasproject.co.uk/

I would personally like to thank everyone who sponsors me and on behalf of Pete and his family; Daniel, Ruth, James and Maureen.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.