Tavistock to Turn It Purple for Pancreatic Cancer
Iconic landmarks in Tavistock are taking part in Pancreatic Cancer Action’s Turn It Purple campaign to raise awareness of the UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer; pancreatic cancer.
The Statue of Sir Francis Drake and Tavistock Town Hall will be lighting up purple in support of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and to pay tribute to all those who suffer or have lost their battle to the disease.
Every year, almost 9,000 men and women will be newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and due to late diagnosis, they will be faced with an average life expectancy of just three to six months. In 2013 the South West had 956 cases of pancreatic cancer and with the shockingly low survival rate of just 5%, sadly only 48 of those diagnosed survived.
By turning purple, it will help generate discussion and awareness of pancreatic cancer and its symptoms which could ultimately save lives. It is also a way to pay tribute to all those who suffer or have lost their battle to the disease.
Ross Ayling, Town Hall Manager at Tavistock Town Hall said: “We are looking forward to taking part in turn it purple this year and hope it will create a lot of awareness for pancreatic cancer. We have previously supported the Charity and raised great funds so please come along to see the building lit in purple, take lots of pictures and share on our Facebook and Twitter pages to help raise awareness”
Other Buildings that are lighting up in the South West to show their support are Bournemouth Pier, Bridport Clock Tower, Nortree Car Company and Smeatons Tower.
Supporters of the charity Jean Keast and Gemma Brown have been determined to light up the South West in memory of loved ones lost to pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer Action’s turn it purple campaign calls for businesses and individuals to highlight the fifth deadliest cancer in the UK by embracing purple – the symbolic colour for pancreatic cancer – by lighting, wearing, making and displaying purple in their community.
Focal points lighting up purple to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer has become increasingly popular in the last few years, which is why Pancreatic Cancer Action has joined forces with Pancreatic Cancer UK, Pancreatic Cancer Scotland and other UK charities to light up the UK purple in a joint campaign: ‘Purple Lights for Pancreatic Cancer’.
All these charities and their supporters are actively trying to get as many towns and cities across the UK to light up purple. All the buildings taking part are featured on the Purple Lights for Pancreatic Cancer website, purplelightsuk.org, including those taking part in Pancreatic Cancer Action’s Turn It Purple campaign.
Ali Stunt, CEO at Pancreatic Cancer Action, said “Each year we are overwhelmed by the huge numbers of supporters who embrace the colour purple to raise awareness. We delighted that these landmarks in Tavistock are taking part. It’s thanks to their participation and Jean Keast, one of our Regional Reps, that the event will become a success and more people will become aware.
To take part in turn it purple or to find out more about pancreatic cancer please visit www.pancreaticcanceraction.org.
If you wish to support the Turn it Purple campaign you can make a donation here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/pancreaticcanceraction/turn...
