Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and supporting me to raise awareness of Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is the 5th most common cause of cancer death in the UK with the lowest survival rate. Less than 4% of people diagnosed survive five years or more. Despite these statistics pancreatic cancer receives only 1% of the total cancer research spend.

·         Pancreatic cancer survival rates have not improved in 40 years.

·         Out of 100 patients diagnosed 3 will survive beyond 5 years.

·         Pancreatic cancer affects around 8,350 people in the UK each year.

·         40 yrs ago few children survived childhood leukaemia, now the survival rate is 80%.   40 yrs ago only 46% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survived 5 yrs or more, now that figure is also 80%.

·          40 yrs ago 3% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survived 5 yrs or more, today that figure is still 3%.

·         Currently there is no effective method to diagnose it at an early stage, and by the time the patient feels any symptoms and sees a doctor about them, the cancer is usually at a late stage and the patient has only months or even weeks to live.

On the 15th of September 2014 I lost my Mum, my best friend at the age of 50 to Pancreatic Cancer.

My Mum was the most fun loving, generous and positive person I have ever met. We celebrated her 50th Birthday on August 1st 2014 in Portugal on a family holiday. Within 24 hours of our return she complained of back ache and after 2 weeks she was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.

Returning to work after this diagnosis, she fought this dreadful disease hard with optimism and bravery. Living every day as normal, working, walking her beloved Charlie and most of all staying positive. Two weeks later, on the 26th August we were given hope as the Whipple procedure to remove the tumour was a possibility. 48 hours on we kissed her goodbye and she told us this: 'Plan A is my surgery and my opportunity to survive'. Within hours of surgery it was made known the tumour was inoperable and our lives were shattered, Mum was positive as ever and said there is always 'Plan B'. She was courageous, dignified and determined. Qualities that those who knew her would recognise only too well.

Tragically she lost her battle only 18 days later, after we discovered her diagnosis was stage 3 advanced incurable cancer. 33 days from diagnosis.

My Mum so young, full of life and loved by everyone.

For her and her unstoppable spirit, I am taking part in the Trek for Hope, China 2015. I hope by doing this, I can support doctors and researchers as they strive to find ways of improving early diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. For today and for the future.

 It is too late for my Mum, but by sponsoring me, by donating to Pancreatic Cancer UK, you could help save someone's life. So please, give generously. It is for a great cause and I hope to continue fund raising in my Mums name for years to come. Action for Evelyn.

 Together we CAN make a difference! 

Wish me luck! :) x

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