The trainers are back on and the Ginsberg's are into training to run a combined 27km for Nicki's Smile. Oli is attempting 5km and will be joined by Sarah. Lucy will be bringing the baton home in the 1km and Robert will be keeping them all company in their runs after first completing the 10km run.

We are raising money for Nicki's Smile which was set up in memory of Nicki Blake who lost her battle to pancreatic cancer in the November 2010, aged just 33, leaving behind her husband Dan and three year old son, Joshua.

Just over a year before she was diagnosed, Nicki complained of such severe back and abdominal pain that she went to A&E.  Unfortunately potential warning signs for cancer growth in the pancreas were not picked up and she was sent home with anti-inflammatory medication.

By the time the diagnosis was made the cancer had spread and it was inoperable. With improved awareness of how to identify symptoms, doctors could have requested an ultrasound/abdominal CT.  This would almost certainly have shown a tumour in the head of her pancreas that would have more than likely been suitable for surgery.  Nicki would still be alive today.

This story is not uncommon. Pancreatic cancer research is very much under-funded despite the fact that it is the 5^thmost common cause of cancer deaths in Europe and the USA.  In the UK:

• over 8,000 people are diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer every year
• fewer than 20% survive more than one year
• less than 3% survive more than five years.
• Well known celebrities who have lost their lives to Pancreatic Cancer include Steve Jobs, Patrick Swayze, Pavarotti and Alan Rickman.