Lucy and Izzy from Pancreatic Cancer Action take on Europe’s longest Zip Wire! 

Izzy’s story
Having a personal connection to this awful disease, I feel passionate about working towards PCA’s aim in driving earlier diagnosis. I’ve witnessed the devastating effects that this disease has first-hand and something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. 

I lost my Grandpa 18 months after diagnosis. He was given 6 months to live when he was first diagnosed so we were lucky to have him around longer than anticipated. The last time I saw him was on his deathbed in the hospital, suffering from the late-stage symptoms. A memory I don't really wish to remember him by but at least I got to say goodbye. 

Hearing other people’s stories daily makes my heartbreak to hear of others going through the same thing my family did but it doesn’t have to be the end as survival is possible. We only need to look at Ali as living proof of this and I feel dedicated to working towards a day where more people are able to tell their own stories in the same way Ali can. 

I decided to take on this challenge as I’m encouraging as many of our community volunteers to take part, so it only seemed fair that I took part too! I’m absolutely petrified of heights but I’m forcing myself to take part to help raise awareness of pancreatic cancer. Facing one of my fears to help raise awareness is nothing compared to the suffering patients and their families go through.


Lucy’s Story
My family experienced first-hand the devastating effects that pancreatic cancer can have when I lost my beloved Nanny Sheila to the disease, in 2004. She had vague symptoms for about a year; back pain, pain on eating and others and visited her doctor regularly complaining – unfortunately to no avail. One day, when the pain was particularly bad, she made a phone call to a family friend, who happened to be a doctor, and told her what she had been experiencing. Our friend told her to go straight to the hospital. She knew. My dear Nan took herself on a bus to St. Thomas hospital and never came out. Six weeks later she had passed away.   

I am doing this challenge because I am still hearing stories from families that are all too similar to what happened to us and something needs to be done about it! We have seen amazing increases in survival rates of other cancers over the past 40 years which is fantastic, but this is just not happening for pancreatic cancer – yet! 

I know that by supporting Pancreatic Cancer Action there will be a change in the outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients and their families. I am honoured to now work for the charity and I hope that you can offer some support and encouragement to do this brilliant challenge! I hate heights too! Thank you, x