In October 2022, my cousin Marie died of advanced pancreatic cancer. She was only 39 years old. Cancer affects too many young people and I – on behalf of the Marie King Foundation – would like to do what I can to support Pancreatic Cancer UK to change this.

Following diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer in April 2022, Marie fought bravely for six months. She did so with courage and dignity and protected those she loved. She did not want to leave her three young children (aged 7, 5 and 1), husband, sisters, and parents.

Her symptoms were backache and tiredness. Pancreatic cancer is a silent killer. She was strong enough to receive treatment which undoubtedly extended her life by months, and she cherished every moment spent with her children, family and friends. But she was taken from us far too early and is still greatly missed.

Why am I doing this? In the hope that one day people won’t have to suffer like Marie’s family and friends have suffered. To increase awareness of those silent symptoms that are so often overlooked, with heart-breaking consequences. To raise money for PCUK, who are by far and away the best placed organisation to eventually find a cure - or even just a working treatment. To carry on the great work that’s already been done by Rob, Kate, and the rest of the Marie King Foundation team.

What are the stats? More than half of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer die within 3 months. Symptoms are vague, so many people are diagnosed at stage 3 or 4, when the cancer has spread and is typically terminal. It increasingly affects younger people. Survival rates have improved enormously for most cancers, yet for pancreatic cancer, this is not the case. It will soon be the fourth leading cause of cancer death. Yet only 3% of cancer funding in the UK is dedicated to pancreatic cancer.

Why PCUK? Because it is a fantastic organisation which is dedicated to taking on this injustice using every possible means. They're supporting people with pancreatic cancer now, campaigning, and funding vital research to transform the future. Help them to make the breakthroughs that people with pancreatic cancer so desperately need.

What can you do? Sponsor me. It really is that simple. I’ve never ran anything close to a marathon and I’ll need all of your help to get me to that finish line. I’ve got two dodgy ankles, am asthmatic and have the constitution of a Dickensian child. Many of you kindly donated to our Royal Parks Walk in early 2022, but I’m going to need you to dig deep again. It will be worth it, and you’ll forever have the gratitude of my family and thousands of others who have had their lives turned upside down by pancreatic cancer.

You can follow our fundraising efforts here: Just Giving Team page.

And our story: PCUK In Memory page.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and supporting our fundraising efforts.

Love, Alex x