Write a commentNewry Town Hall will be lit in Purple in November as part of the Purple Lights for Pancreatic Cancer Campaign to show support for those with pancreatic cancer, and to remember those who have sadly died of the disease.
Purple Lights for Pancreatic Cancer is supported by charities; Pancreatic Cancer Action, Pancreatic Cancer UK, Pancreatic Cancer Scotland, Operation Henry and CORE. The campaign calls on focal points in villages, towns and cities to light up purple in November, which is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
Over 9000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year. Sadly, only 5% of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive five years or more, and despite being the UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer, the disease receives just 1.6% of UK cancer research funding.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said, “We are delighted to be raising awareness of this dreadful disease by taking part in the Purple Lights for Pancreatic Cancer Campaign. We hope that by lighting up Newry Town Hall in purple, we will help put a spotlight on a disease that many people still know very little about.”
Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Pancreatic Cancer and MP for Scunthorpe Nic Dakin, said “Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer is a striking and effective way to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer in November. One person dies of pancreatic cancer every hour, and the disease has the lowest survival rate of all the 21 common cancers, so it is vital that people find out more about it. We’d like to thank all those who are supporting the campaign and helping to light up the UK in purple this November.”
For more information about Purple Lights for Pancreatic Cancer and the disease, visit purplelightsuk.org and pancreaticcancer.org.uk or email info@purplelights.org.uk
