A display of 797 pairs of trainers have been unveiled near Tower Bridge, London, to symbolise the number of people who die from pancreatic cancer every month in the UK
More than 700 pairs of trainers have been exhibited to represent the number of individuals who succumb to pancreatic cancer each month in the UK. Situated halfway along the London Marathon route, a total of 797 pairs of trainers were unveiled at Potter’s Field near Tower Bridge.
The display was organised by Pancreatic Cancer UK, this year’s official Charity of the Year. The donated shoes included those from people who have died from the disease or relatives of those affected by it. At the end of the day, the shoes will be given to Jog On, who will distribute them to those in need.
Tony Audenshaw, who portrays Bob Hope in Emmerdale and tragically lost his wife Ruth to pancreatic cancer in 2017, unveiled the display. He said he was ‘honoured to unveil this powerful installation highlighting the impact of pancreatic cancer and our hope for saving thousands of people’s lives.”
“My wife Ruth was a keen runner herself, and I’ll be running the marathon next weekend in her memory,” he added. “Her story is one of hundreds represented here.”
It follows a survey of 2,000 people which alarmingly revealed seven out of ten adults are unaware of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. According to the charity, changes in bowel habits, fatigue, and loss of appetite are among the most common signs, but they often go unnoticed or undiagnosed until it’s too late.
The survey participants also estimated that 359 individuals die each month in the UK from pancreatic cancer, when the actual figure was found to be significantly higher, at almost 800.
Others believed the average person diagnosed with pancreatic cancer would live for two more years, however, the reality is more than half of patients die within just three months.
Pancreatic Cancer UK is encouraging people to sign its open letter urging the government to fund crucial research. The organisation aims to raise £2 million to develop the first-ever early detection test for the disease, a development that could save thousands of lives.
Diana Jupp, CEO of Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “It’s all too easy to dismiss small changes in our health as nothing to worry about, but when it comes to pancreatic cancer, early detection is absolutely vital. It gives people the very best chance of being able to have lifesaving treatment.”
The report revealed that 27% might delay visiting a doctor, even if they had a potentially serious symptom, due to concerns about securing an appointment. Meanwhile, 19% expressed fears about ‘wasting the doctor’s time’, and 26% simply assumed the issue would resolve itself.
Diana further urged: “Speak to a doctor if something doesn’t feel right. There’s no time to wait with pancreatic cancer, catching it early could save your life.”
