Council shows support for World Pancreatic Cancer Day

Chester Town Hall will be illuminated in purple on Thursday 19 November to show support for World Pancreatic Cancer Day, with the help of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Street Lighting team.

It follows a request via social media from local resident Joe Spurling, who lives in Christleton.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Karen Shore said: “I’m delighted our Street Lighting team has been able to help Joe with his request.  It’s a very simple but striking way to show our support.  I know during the current lockdown many people will not see the purple lights but we wanted to help boost Pancreatic Cancer Action’s important awareness raising campaign.”

Local campaigner, Joe said: "I first became aware of pancreatic cancer around 15 years ago when a friend lost her father to the disease. I was shocked to learn that the five year survival rate at the time was just 3 per cent. I've supported Pancreatic Cancer Action for over a decade and in that time I have seen them work tirelessly to increase the survival rate to 8 per cent through improved early diagnosis.

“By lighting buildings purple, Pancreatic Cancer Action hope it will put a spotlight on a disease that many people know very little about. Lighting up purple is an annual way to raise much needed awareness of pancreatic cancer during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.  Pancreatic cancer can often be diagnosed late so it is vital that people know about the signs and symptoms of the disease.  I'm proud to have a Council that listens to what causes are important to their residents and makes an effort to help where they can.”

For more information about Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: https://pancreaticcanceraction.org/take-action/raise-awareness/pancreatic-cancer-awareness-month/ or Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms: https://pancreaticcanceraction.org/about-pancreatic-cancer/symptoms/

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