Ely Cathedral to be Lit Up in Purple for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Campaign

Ely Cathedral will glow with purple light on 21st November, World Pancreatic Cancer Day, as part of the Purple Lights for Pancreatic Cancer Campaign.

Organised by individuals affected by the disease, the campaign is a way to remember loved ones lost to pancreatic cancer, support those living with and beyond the disease as well as raise vital awareness during November’s Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer is supported by UK based charities Pancreatic Cancer UK, Pancreatic Cancer Action, Pancreatic Cancer Scotland, Planets and Guts UK.

The campaign involves the act of lighting purple focal points in villages, towns and cities all over the UK on World Pancreatic Cancer Day.

Almost 10,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year. Sadly, less than 7% of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive five years or more, and despite being the UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer, the disease receives only 2% of UK cancer research funding.

Niki Brown organised Ely Cathedral to light up in memory of her brother Chris, who lost his life to the disease aged just 38.

Chris was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer just eight weeks before it claimed his life, early diagnosis is key to getting treatment and improving survival rates.

Niki hopes through Ely Cathedral lighting up purple, people will talk about the possible symptoms of pancreatic cancer and this might help save a life in their family.

Niki would like to thank Martin Diver, who runs a local gas heating and plumbing business who sponsored lighting Ely Cathedral over the past three years and is sponsoring the event again this year.

Nigel, from Blue Shed Studios will fit the filters and Ely will glow purple in memory of Chis, those who have lost their lives, those who continue to fight and to help raise awareness and save lives.

Niki said: “I am delighted to be raising awareness of this dreadful disease by taking part in the Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer campaign. I hope that by lighting up Ely Cathedral in purple, I will help put a spotlight on a disease that many people still know so very little about.”

If you would like to take part or find out more about Purple Lights for Pancreatic Cancer, please visit purplelightsuk.org or e-mail info@purplelights.org.uk.

Press release from Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Lighting Up Ely Cathedral