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Along with family members and friends, I’m cycling from London to Paris over the period 23-27 September 2015: 400km in 4 days, in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK. Although this is a UK charity, the work it does will, hopefully, have an impact on improving survival rates of pancreatic cancer throughout the world. We plan to raise money and to try to increase awareness of this terrible disease.

My little sister Maggie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2014. She was a fabulous person: very fit and active, didn’t smoke or drink too much, ate well and even used organic cosmetics. She was full of life and exuded vitality and health. She was also beautiful and was the kindest person I knew. She was the last person anyone expected to be struck down by cancer but, devastatingly for all those many people who loved her, the cancer claimed her life in February this year at the tender age of 43. I truly believe that, if it could happen to her, then it could happen to anyone and research into this killer is desperately needed.

Research into causes and possible preventions and treatments of pancreatic cancer is seriously under-funded compared to other major cancers. In the UK, it receives just 1% of overall cancer research funding.

Pancreatic cancer is the 5th most common cause of cancer death in Europe overall, with more than 104,000 deaths from pancreatic cancer in 2012. Pancreatic cancer is the 7th most common cause of cancer death worldwide, with more than 330,000 deaths from pancreatic cancer in 2012. Unlike the majority of cancers, five- and ten-year survival for pancreatic cancer has not shown much improvement since the early 1970s. Overall, only 1% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer today are predicted to survive their disease for at least ten years. And those are the lucky ones who are diagnosed early enough to be able to undergo surgery.

In contrast, in 78% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are predicted to survive their disease for ten years or more. 65% are expected to survive for twenty years or more. Breast cancer survival rates have been improving for forty years and women diagnosed with breast cancer are now twice as likely to survive their disease for at least ten years, compared with those diagnosed forty years ago. This progress is as a direct result of, and a testament to, research funding.

I’ve lost one of my closest friends as well as a sister. Maggie was great fun to be with and always had a big smile on her face. Although I live abroad, she always let me know that out-of-sight was not out-of-mind and she made every effort to spend time with me either in the UK, when I was back, or here in Germany. I miss her terribly. She was also the mother of two small boys who will grow up without the mum who adored them so very much.

Maggie and I both enjoyed our sport and we thought we had all the time in the world to do things together: skiing trips, hikes, runs, swims and cycle rides. Nothing we do now can bring her back but our fundraising efforts, and this cycle ride in particular, are our tribute to Mags, to a life cut way too short. We hope that, in the process, we can make some small contribution to the fight against pancreatic cancer so that, eventually, other families are spared the anguish of losing someone precious.

Of course, in order to achieve this, I am looking for sponsorship! If you would like to make a donation, please do so here (or in person, if you prefer).

If it’s not too cheeky to say it out loud, I would just ask that, if you do intend to donate, do so right away as statistics show that there is a good chance that you will otherwise forget. Anything you can spare would be appreciated.

Many thanks for your patience! With love and thanks,

Kate

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