My mum sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer on 20th December 2006 aged 62. She was diagnosed 5 months earlier.

She fought so hard to beat it and stay with us, as her family (husband, 6 children and 10 grandchildren) were her life and she thought that she had let us all down by becoming ill.

We tried to go down the route of clinical trials but either my mum was not eligible or the trials were delayed and unfortunately did not commence in time to give her a better chance of survival. Pancreatic cancer is a cruel disease and survival statistics are next to none. I would like to say that I hope I will never have to watch anyone else suffer like my mum did, but the chances are that I will. Research has shown that pancreatic cancer can be hereditary and as my grandma, 2 great aunts and my mum all died from it, the likelihood is that either myself, my brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncle or cousins may have inherited the gene and thus the chance of developing pancreatic cancer.

It is imperative a test to detect pancreatic cancer and/or a treatment that offers a better chance of survival is found, in order to ensure that other people do not have to suffer the pain my mum and family have had to endure.

My mum was so full of life and she lit up every room that she entered with her presence and her smile. She lived for her family and my dad always said she was like a mother hen who could not settle until she knew her brood was safe.

In October,myself, my boyfriend and several members of my family are doing a 22 mile sponsered walk around the Peak district in order to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Research. In tribute to my mum and in the hope of helping others I hope that you will dig deep and donate to this vitally important research.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to donate: Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund will receive your money electronically and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in Gift Aid will be added to your donation at no cost to you.

Please donate generously.

Many thanks for your support.

Mum this is for you. I love you so very much.

Jacqueline xx