Manchester man who lost both parents to pancreatic cancer in 2015 is running the Manchester 10k

Paul Duffy-Woods is running the Manchester 10k on Sunday 22^nd May 2016 in memory of his beloved parents who both died of pancreatic cancer in 2015. He wants to raise as much as possible for Pancreatic Cancer Action, which is a charity that exists to save lives through early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Paul was heartbroken when his dad, John, died of pancreatic cancer in March 2010, aged 69. Just four months later, the family was dealt another devastating blow when his mother, Joan, 68, also died from the same disease.

Paul said: “It’s been a very difficult year for my family. Not only did I lose my wonderful parents but sadly mum and dad did not get to meet my two children as I was in the process of adopting them when they both died.

“However, me and my four siblings have been very lucky. Mum and dad were truly amazing parents and friends, and my brothers and sisters and I have each other to get through this.”

Paul wants to raise money to help patients and families. “Pancreatic cancer is underfunded, and treatment options are sadly lacking in England.  I’m not a doctor, I’m not a scientist but I can run!”

Every year, almost 9,000 men and women will be newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and due to late diagnosis, they will be faced with a shockingly low four per cent chance of survival and an average life expectancy of just three to six months.

Pancreatic Cancer Action, which focuses on improving the survival rate of the disease – it has remained at just four percent for 40 years – by tackling the importance of early diagnosis and encouraging people to learn about the symptoms. For more information and advice, visit pancreaticcanceraction.org.

Ali Stunt, Founder of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “We are very grateful to Paul, for giving his time to support Pancreatic Cancer Action. He is still dealing with the enormous loss of both of his parents.

“As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Paul to help us continue our vital work. These funds enable us to continue research into early diagnosis and raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.”

If you would like to donate to Paul’s fundraising page or find out more, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/Paul-Duffy-Woods.

For more information on pancreatic cancer and its symptoms, please visit www.pancreaticcanceraction.org or call 0303 040 1770.