The photo to the left is one of my favourite images of Dad. It was 2007, a very happy period of his life, in which he was given the privilege of time to focus on things dear to him; in this period he simultaneously developed and launched his dream business project, whilst also was able to spend more hours with his family. As a treat, he took us all on the ultimate family holiday through the west coast of America. This picture shows him with my Mum in Yosemite National Park, a place we promised ourselves to return to in a few years time. He was comfortably placed to make his movements into the next stage of life, brimming with a more than usual amount optimism and spirit. I am donating to this charity because my family has learnt how rapidly circumstances can change within a mere year; he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer only twelve months later and passed away three months afterwards.
I want to encourage awareness of a disease that is not only virulent and rapidly active but also barely recognised by most people. I had never thought twice about pancreatic cancer; even on the day of Dad’s diagnosis I was under the impression that I should be thankful that he had a disease that, I thought at least, was fairly benign in the spectrum of cancers! I want to raise awareness of this terrible disease. That you have reflected upon my letter and acted upon it is something I am immeasurably proud of.Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Pancreatic Cancer UK gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
