Landmarks around Dunoon will be light up purple tonight (November 18) on World Pancreatic Cancer Day in support of a local man battling the disease.
Dunoon Fire Station, Castle House, Highland Mary, the War Memorial and Dunoon Pier will glow with purple light on November 18, organised by local lady, Jacqueline Kennedy in support of her brother-in-law, David Colquhoun, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September.
Jacqueline 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 Dunoon Fire Station, Castle House, Highland Mary, the War Memorial at Queens Hall and Dunoon Pier, it will help to put the spotlight on a disease that many people still know so very little about.”
David’s family and extended family have united together to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK and Pancreatic Cancer Action, by walking, running, swimming, or even hopping a mile a day in November.
The fundraisers, who have nicknamed themselves the ‘purple people’ will take part in a fundraising walk this evening (November 17) walking past all the buildings lit up in honour of David and others like him who are fighting this disease, and of those whose lives have sadly been taken away.
They will meet at Dunoon Stadium at 7pm and walk through town to the promenade.
So far, the family have raised nearly £4500, a massive 178 per cent of their initial £2500 target.
This money will help to fund vital research and help improve patient survival rates through education and early diagnosis. Nearly 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year and shockingly, less than seven per cent of those diagnosed will survive beyond five years. The disease currently receives just three per cent of UK cancer research funding, despite being the UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer.
The campaign to light Dunoon up has been supported by David’s colleagues at Dunoon Fire Station, and local MP Brendan O’Hara MP for Argyll and Bute.
Brendan O’Hara said: “I am very happy to support the local campaign to light up Dunoon during World Pancreatic Awareness month and know that this would mean a lot to David’s family. As a local firefighter, David has done so much to contribute to the Dunoon community and it is important that he and his family know the community are standing with him at this difficult time.
“As with many other types of cancer, early diagnosis is crucial and anything we can do to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer may help save a life.”
To donate to the families fundraiser click here.
