Hi,
We have set up this page in memory of my wonderful mother, Susan Sheppard, who sadly passed away on 09/09/09 aged just 54. Mammy was admitted to hospital with severe back pain on 30th June 2009 and the diagnosis of Pancreatic cancer was made on 13th July 2009. Having no knowledge of this type of cancer, it came as a devastating shock to realise that this was a terminal illness for which there was no treatment in it's advanced stage due to it's aggressive nature.
Mammy was an amazing lady who lived for her family and was a great friend to many. She lived her last days with such courage and bravery. Leaving behind my lovely dad, sister and grandchildren, she has left a huge hole in our lives. I know I speak on behalf of all who knew mammy that she was a true inspiration.
We are raising money in aid of Pancreatic Cancer Reasearch Fund as so much more is needed to detect and treat this disease at earlier stages. Research has shown that 40 years ago 3% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survived 5 years or more. Frighteningly, this figure is still 3%. Whilst tremendous progress has been made in the treatment of many other cancers, one of the factors limiting research into pancreatic cancer has been the perception amongst some of the research community that it was a disease too difficult to do much about.
One of the charity's aims is to change that perception and encourage more researchers to focus on pancreatic cancer.
To help raise money and awareness for pcrf, Greg (my husband) and his bother Leighton will be undertaking the enormous challenge of cycling from John O'Groats to Lands End. For those not clued up on their Georgraphy, this is the most northern point in Scotland to the most Southern point in England (approx 1000 miles)!!! Their aim is to complete the challenge in 9 days, which means almost 100 miles a day cycling. They are currently training almost every day and they will greatly appreciate your support.
We have also organised a charity fundraising evening for 29th May in memory of mammy. The evening will be held at the Llanelli's AFC club, Stebonheath where there will be an auction, raffle prizes and a disco. Tickets will be on sale as soon as possible. Please keep visiting this site for updates and Greg and Leighton's training progress.
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
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. I know it would make mammy very proud to know that any donation, big or small, can help to give other pancreatic suffers a chance.
*UPDATE ***
Following a fundraising evening on 29th May, we have raised a further £2250 on the night alone. The sum is made up from ticket sales, raffle ticket sales, the auction and Will's £10 donation which he got from selling glow sticks! ( well done Will). Thanks to everyone who came to support this charity in memory of mammy. It was a successful evening.
***UPDATE 29/07/10 ***
Things haven't really gone Greg and Leights way over the last few weeks which has led to the bike ride being postponed...
As well as other unavoidable hicups, Greg has been suffering from an illness for the past four weeks which means that his training has been affected and couldn't possibly commence the bike ride. This has been a big set back and a huge disappointment to Greg and Leight who have trained so hard and made so many arrangements, but as soon as Greg is back on form, the ride will still happen. So please please keep donating. I'D LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK EVERYONE SO FAR FOR THEIR VERY KIND DONATIONS ON AND OFFLINE. XXX
*** Update 22/03/11 ***
They're off! Greg and Leight with Rob harpers support have left for their JOGLE bike ride today!!! GOOD LUCK BOYS x
*** Update 25/03/11***
The boys are on day 3 of their bike ride have so far cycled an amazing 179 miles over the last two days. Good luck as you set of on you journey today...Love you xxx
*** Update 03/04/11****
10.5 days of cycling andthey're back safe and sound having completed their gruelling challenge. A bit sore to say the least but what an achievement.
It was amazing seeing you cycle into Landsend! CONGRATULATIONS xxxx
