During lockdown I have been trying to walk each day as much as I normally would - about 11, 500 steps.  I enjoyed it so much I started pushing out.  Thinking about the surprising truth that I am turning 60 next year I thought why not walk 60 miles in one day? As soon as this idea came to mind I knew I wanted to do this to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK and awareness of the symptoms of this cancer, which often remains undiagnosed for a long time.  My sister, Anni, was diagnosed last August and I have been so proud of the way she is handling everything.  Of course it’s been hard but she has continued to laugh, be straight forward, pragmatic and philosophical.  It’s an amazing combination. She has used  these qualities well in her life, particularly in helping those with big challenges - such as her work with people suffering from dementia and those caught up with drugs and criminal gangs. I am very proud of her.

Sadly cancer is all too common.  Whilst I do this walk I will also be thinking of my dear sister-in-law Donna who has another cancer, and a friend’s father who has pancreatic cancer.

I plan to do the walk on Saturday 18th July, weather and blisters permitting. I will do loops from home so I do not have to carry so much and it means I know the route well so am comfortable walking on my own.  I am currently thinking of 2 loops of 15 miles and 3 of 10 miles.

Right now I want to take this opportunity to flag that the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are vague. They can include weight loss (if that diet seems to be working too fast), tummy pains, indigestion, sickness, changes in bowel habits and jaundice. Even though the virus is still with us, get any symptoms checked out by your GP!

Pancreatic Cancer UK is a small charity with annual income in the region of £5m so I am keen to help by raising money.

£5 builds hope and progress.

£10 helps keep the support line live.

£20 could provide face to face support to a patient at an information day.

£30 can fund a nurse for an hour on Pancreatic Cancer UK support line.  

£50 can help fund research into the discovery of a simple diagnostic blood test.

Many thanks!

Jane

Postscript

I completed the 60 miles in 16 hours and 56 minutes, much faster than I ever thought.  We have also raised beaten the fund raising target.  This is really brilliant.  Thank you so very much!

The charity is trying to fund a simple diagnostic test that will help in the early identification of this condition and so every penny helps them do this whilst also offering support to people with the condition along with their families.