Like so many others, my husband's best mate Paul and my sister Sheila, were recently taken from us far too soon by pancreatic cancer. They were both fit, healthy, and had a zest for life. Sheila and Paul were deeply loved and are sadly missed. Sadly, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed too late for effective treatment.

In the UK, pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common cancer. Treatment can be extremely tough, and the prognosis is poor. However, I truly believe that early detection can change that — offering hope, time, and the chance of a cure.

During Sheila’s illness, our family received invaluable support and information from Pancreatic Cancer UK, whose mission is to take on this devastating disease by:

• Supporting those affected

• Funding groundbreaking research

• Campaigning for greater recognition and

• Giving a voice to everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer.

To honour the memory of Sheila and Paul and to help others facing this disease, we are hosting a Fundraising Gala in support of Pancreatic Cancer UK.

If you can’t attend, you can still support us by donating via this GoFundMe — every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to earlier detection and better treatment for pancreatic cancer.

We’re also seeking auction prize donations. If you or your business can contribute a prize, or if you’d like to book a table, please contact Philippa via Direct Message or the contact form found at the bottom of this page.

All proceeds from the Gala will go directly to Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Thank you for your generosity and support — together, we can make a difference.

You can make a difference

• £60 (ticket price) could help researchers like Dr Pilar Acedo work towards detecting pancreatic cancer earlier

• £25 (money Pancreatic Cancer UK receives) could help our Support Line nurses answer a call from someone living with pancreatic cancer

• £522.66 could fund two days of research into developing early detection tests, so together we can change thousands of lives.

• £1,280 could keep our Support Line open for one day, so no one has to face a diagnosis alone.

• £5,240 could provide Dr Teif with equipment for his research into developing a blood test to detect pancreatic cancer earlier, so more people survive.

• £10,000 could fund research to identify changes to the pancreas in the early stages of cancer development

Thank you so much for your generosity, compassion and support. Together, we can make a difference.

Philippa Leach