Raising funds to fight Pancreatic Cancer

Heather Traill, will be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 6th October 2013 in London for Pancreatic Cancer Action. She hopes to raise over GBP500 by running the 13.1 mile scenic run which winds through four Royal Parks (Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James's Park and The Green Park).

Heather said: "My aunt, Elizabeth Perks, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 59 in 2007. She passed away just a year later in October 2008. She led a healthy life, taking part in regular exercise and eating a healthy diet so it was shock to hear she had cancer of any kind. It was even more shocking to hear that she had pancreatic cancer, which I had never heard of before.

"The run will be a challenge for me and my boyfriend will be running with me to help me over the line! I am motivated to do it though to raise awareness and funds, given the statistics around pancreatic cancer," continues Heather. "Doing just a little bit for this charity has spurred me on in my training and will keep me going on the day, as well as the memory of my aunt who we all miss so dearly."

Currently only 3% of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive beyond five years. Pancreatic Cancer Action is committed to working towards earlier diagnosis of the disease so that surgery, currently the only cure, is made available to the sufferer.

The Royal Parks Half starts at 9:00am and involves a host of activities and attractions on show within the Food and Fitness Festival area to keep spectators entertained whilst they wait.

Last year, 12,500 runners came from across the UK and 35 countries around the world to race through the streets of London with 40,000 spectators and supporters cheering them on and they hope for even more this year.

Ali Stunt, Founder of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: "We are delighted that Heather is giving her time to support Pancreatic Cancer Action. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Heather to help us continue our vital work. Please back Heather in her fundraising efforts so that we can continue research into early diagnosis and raise awareness of pancreatic cancer."

To find out more, please visit pancreaticcanceraction.org/support-us/fundraise/ or call 0303 040 1770.

September 26, 2013