Ely Cathedral to be lit up in Purple for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Campaign

Ely Cathedral will glow with purple light on 19th 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, 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 or any day during November. 

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 for Ely Cathedral to light up in memory of her late brother Christopher Brown and all those who have been affected by pancreatic cancer.

This is the fourth year that Niki has arranged for Ely Cathedral to shine purple with the help and continued sponsorship from local businessman Martin Diver (M.J. Diver, Gas Heating and Plumber Specialist).

The purple filters will be fitted to the lights on the Octagon Tower by Nigel of Blue Shed Studios. 

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, It will help put a spotlight on a disease that many people still know so very little about. My great thanks to Martin for his continued support with this campaign to help raise awareness to this devastating disease”.

If you would like to see Ely Cathedral on the purple lights map or find out more about Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer, please visit https://purplelightsuk.org or email info@purplelights.org.uk

Press release from Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Lighting Up Ely Cathedral