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The North West to Turn
Purple
for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
ICONIC buildings and landmarks
throughout the North West of England, including Steve Prescott Bridge, are
taking part in Pancreatic Cancer Action’s Turn It Purple campaign to raise
awareness of the UK’s 5th biggest cancer killer; pancreatic cancer. The
buildings 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 3 to 6 months. In 2013 the North West had 1,071 cases of
pancreatic cancer and with the shockingly low survival rate of just 4% at the
time, sadly only 42 of those diagnosed survived.
The landmarks taking part include:- Blackpool Tower, the Town
Hall Clock Faces in Chorley, the Clock Tower in Ormskirk, County Hall in
Preston, the Lightcube Roundabout in Skelmersdale and the Steve Prescott Bridge
in St Helens.
By turning purple, these landmarks 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.
Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council said:- "When we
were approached to light up one of our buildings we had no hesitation in doing
so as this is a very worth cause. We did it for the 1st time last year and we
will be lighting the Town Hall clock faces purple for the whole month of
November."
Pancreatic Cancer Action’s turn it purple campaign calls for businesses and
individuals to highlight the 5th deadliest cancer in the UK by embracing purple;
the symbolic colour for pancreatic cancer, by lighting:- wearing, making and
displaying purple in their community.
Supporters of the charity David Brown and Mary Whitby have been determined to
light up the North West in memory of loved ones lost to pancreatic cancer.
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 iconic buildings in the North West are
taking part. It’s thanks to their participation 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:-
PancreaticCancerAction.Org. |
