Stephen Little from Newcastle is taking on one of the toughest challenges imaginable to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, the deadliest common cancer.
Throughout March, he is running the length of the UK, covering 1,000 miles in 29 days, an incredible 35 miles each day. He hopes to raise more than £35,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK in memory of his mum, with funds supporting vital research into early diagnosis and treatment, as well as providing support for those affected by the disease.
Stephen Little has chosen to support the charity because he lost his Mum to pancreatic cancer. She was given a few weeks to live but ended up living for over 4 years which is very unusual given the aggressive nature of the disease. She was an incredible lady and is missed every day.
Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer; half of people die within just three months of diagnosis. In stark contrast to the welcome progress made in outcomes for many other types of cancer, survival for pancreatic cancer has barely improved in 50 years. Vague symptoms – including persistent indigestion, back or tummy pain, unexpected weight loss and changes to poo – mean the disease is difficult to diagnose at an early stage, when it’s most treatable. There are also currently no screening programmes or early detection tests to help doctors, resulting in 80% of people being diagnosed too late for lifesaving treatment.
Pancreatic Cancer UK is taking on this devastating disease by investing in ground-breaking research to transform survival, and by supporting patients and their loved ones through its free-phone Support Line staffed by specialist nurses. The charity campaigns and fundraises to drive forward desperately needed progress for pancreatic cancer and raise awareness of the symptoms so that more people can be diagnosed early enough for treatment.
Kerry Thomas, Head of Public Fundraising at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said:
“We are incredibly grateful that Stephen is supporting us and we would like to wish Stephen the very best of luck.
“Tragically, 80% of people with pancreatic cancer are not diagnosed until after the disease has spread and surgery, the only potentially curable treatment, is no longer possible. For 50 years, the disease has been overlooked, underfunded, and left behind. Families are often left with only hope to hold on to, but they deserve more. The funds raised by Stephen will help us offer support to people diagnosed and their loved ones, invest in research to move us closer to the breakthroughs we urgently need, and be a voice for everyone affected by the deadliest common cancer.”
If you would like to support Stephen, you can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stephen-little-1.
For more information or to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, please visit www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/fundraise
The post 1,000 Miles for a Cause: Newcastle Man’s Incredible Cancer Fundraising Challenge appeared first on Newcastle Magazine – Your source for inspiring Newcastle news.
