We (Linda, Karen, Vanessa & Clodagh) decided to do some fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund in memory of our Mum who died from the disease in April 2006.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers and is reflected in the fact that it has the lowest 5 year survival rate compared to any other cancer (survival rates in Ireland), but only receives 1% of cancer research funding (NCRI Strategic Analysis 2002) in the UK. This shocking statistic empowered a number of research funding bodies to set-up specifically for pancreatic cancer research. One such charity, Pancreatic Research Fund (PCRF) was established.
ABOUT THE CHARITY (taken from their website)
‘Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund was founded in April 2004 by Maggie Blanks, following the death of her husband Alan from the disease in May 2003. Having discovered that survival rates for pancreatic cancer had barely improved in forty years, and that there was little research being undertaken, she was determined to encourage more research that was targeted specifically at pancreatic cancer. She felt that the best way to achieve this was to raise funds to support new pancreatic cancer research projects, and to persuade the existing major research funders to give greater attention to the disease.
PCRF became a registered charity in April 2004, run by Maggie and three other trustees. “We have been able to absorb the administrative costs of running the charity so far”, says Maggie, “and aim to do so for as long as possible. This means that 100% of someone’s donation goes into the Fund to promote and support the much needed research.”