Purple power to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer in Desborough

Several groups, businesses and individuals showed their support for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, which took place during November.

It is part of Pancreatic Cancer Action’s Turn It Purple campaign to raise awareness of the cancer, which is the UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer.

Ann Churcher from Mark Churcher Goldsmiths in Desborough said: “Having recently become a voluntary regional representative for Pancreatic Cancer Action, this is the first time that we have been involved in Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month during November.

“We are really grateful to everyone who has given their support and hope that it has kick-started conversations to raise awareness of the disease and of the need for funding for research into early diagnosis.

“During the month we have had awareness displays at the library and surgery, shops have turned their premises purple, St Giles Church lit up purple and to draw the month to a close Desborough Leisure Centre held a special purple pilates class, organised by Verna and led by Kelly and Jenny, which raised £231.

“Local people have been extremely generous in so many ways, knitting pansies, taking part in events and many too have given individual donations.”

Groups who have taken part during November include Desborough Library, Desborough and Rothwell Surgery, Mark Churcher Goldsmiths, Desborough Opticians, Revive coffee shop, Sanctuary of Beauty, Kelmarsh Hall and St Giles Church.

Desborough Leisure Centre also held a special purple pilates class on November 27.

Others who have been involved include members of the knitting groups at Bella Knit in Corby who knitted and donated pansies for the displays to raise awareness of the cancer.

For more details about Pancreatic Cancer Action, click here