Cardiff to be ‘turned purple’ in fight against pancreatic cancer

A major fundraising event is being held next month to support research into the UK’s fifth-biggest cancer killer.

Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival of all common cancers – but event organisers hope a special party on Friday, November 1, will help raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis.

Impact

Approximately 500 people a year in Wales die of pancreatic cancer – and a majority of sufferers are diagnosed at a late stage where potentially curative surgery is no longer possible.

Frustratingly, the disease has vague symptoms, such as back pain, indigestion and unexpected weight-loss, which are also common to many less serious health conditions. There are also currently no diagnostic tests or screening programmes to help detect the illness early.

This year, Swedish football manager Sven-Göran Eriksson was one of the approximately 470,000 people worldwide who will sadly die from the disease. He helped to raise awareness of the symptoms before his passing.

Wales already has one of the worst five-year cancer survival rates in the world. But there is hope – as November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and many will be hosting events, like the Big Purple Party, to help raise awareness of the disease, its symptoms, and risk factors.

Overlooked

Sue Collins, Director of Fundraising at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “For too long, pancreatic cancer has been overlooked, underfunded, and left behind. As a result, more than half of people still die within three months of diagnosis. Families are often left with only hope to hold on to, but we know hope isn’t enough.

“Action taken today can transform the future for people with pancreatic cancer. The money raised by Alex and his team during the Big Purple Party will help us go above and beyond for everyone affected by the disease, bringing more support, improved detection, and more effective treatments for the deadliest common cancer.”

Other events across the UK aim to raise money to support the efforts of Pancreatic Cancer UK alongside the ‘Big Purple Party’ at Cardiff Met’s Cyncoed Campus.

Awareness

Alex Hicks, events organiser, said: “We can’t wait to turn Cyncoed purple in the fight against this awful disease. And while we know Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month will be a challenging time for many who have experienced loss, we want this event to be a real occasion of hope too.

“Early diagnosis, understanding symptoms and supporting those affected by the disease can help turn the tide. Buying tickets to the Big Purple Party is one way people in Cardiff can all help – while having a great time with superb local music, great food and the chance to win some amazing prizes.”

Alex tragically lost his mother – Susan Elizabeth Hicks – to the disease in 2015 at the age of 63, less than one year after she retired from a career in public service to spend more time with her grandchildren.

Personal

Susan worked for the NHS, education and HMRC, and also received her long service award from Girl Guiding; but sadly lost her life only a few short months after her diagnosis.

He added: “My Mum was the life and soul of any party – she’d have been first on the dance floor for the Big Purple Party! We have been raising awareness of pancreatic cancer and fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer UK ever since her diagnosis in 2014.

“Sadly, my mum was one of so many people who will be diagnosed with this awful disease late, and when treatment options are very limited. That’s why events like Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month are so important; raising awareness and having discussions that really could save lives.”

Event

Tickets are just £20, and £10 for Under 18s – and guests will be donning their purple gladrags for an action-packed evening of fun.

Cardiff band Creatures of Habit will play a live set, while the event includes a buffet, raffle, cake sale and even a silent auction – featuring sporting memorabilia, local dining experiences and massage treatments.

Tickets are available here via EventBrite, with the event kicking off at 7.30pm until 11.30pm on November 1.

More information about Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month can be found on the Pancreatic Cancer UK website.