Ness Bridge turns purple for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

 
Ness Bridge in Inverness is taking part in Pancreatic Cancer Action’s turn it purple campaign in November in aid of pancreatic cancer awareness.  The bridge, which extends from Bridge Street to Young Street, the A82 to Fort William, will light up purple every day until 11th November to mark Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

By turning purple, it will help generate discussion and awareness of pancreatic cancer and its symptoms. 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 three per cent chance of survival and an average life expectancy of just three to six months.

Lorna Taylor, who lost her sister to pancreatic cancer two years ago, successfully requested that the beautiful bridge take part. Lorna said: “I am delighted that Highland Council has chosen to support this campaign to raise much needed awareness.”

Convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Jimmy Gray said: “We are pleased to be able to support Pancreatic Cancer Action in this awareness-raising campaign. By helping to light up the Ness Bridge - a key landmark in Inverness – we are symbolically highlighting the message about being aware of Pancreatic Cancer.”

Pancreatic Cancer Action’s turn it purple campaign calls for businesses and individuals to highlight the fifth deadliest cancer in the UK by embracing purple – the symbolic colour for pancreatic cancer – by shining purple lights on buildings or other structures in their community, and for supporters to wear something purple at the office, at home or at school.

Pancreatic Cancer Action aims to raise awareness and funds of pancreatic cancer to drive earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer.
 
Ali Stunt, CEO at Pancreatic Cancer Action, said “Each year we are overwhelmed by the huge numbers of supporters who embrace the colour purple to raise awareness. We delighted that Highland Council are taking part.  It’s thanks to the generosity of organisations that the initiative will become a success and more people will become aware.”

To take part in turn it purple or to find out more about pancreatic cancer please visit http://www.pancreaticcanceraction.org/.
 
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