Why I volunteer
Sally shares why she decided to start volunteering for Pancreatic Cancer UK following her sister's diagnosis
How it all began
“People ask why I give my time to Pancreatic Cancer UK. The start of the story was – my sister. What a shock it was to family and friends when Annette went to hospital in April last year when she woke to find her skin was yellow. She came away with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. She was told it was inoperable and was given a life expectancy of 18 months.
Her world became hospitals, medication, pain, heartbreak and facing her world utterly changing. My world became disbelief – how was Annette going to cope, and how was I going to be able to support her?
I knew nothing about pancreatic cancer so my first step was to do some research, and this really opened my eyes. I became a supporter of Pancreatic Cancer UK, and began to understand the scale of the issue.
Volunteering and fundraising were within my reach and also made me feel positive that I was doing something, even though in a small way.”
"It really matters that this devastating disease gets funding and publicity. The diagnostic results are extremely poor. It’s brutal, it’s devastating and it's not discovered in time for effective treatment to save lives."
“The team at Pancreatic Cancer UK are inspirational – always positive and looking for ways in which the research and treatment of this dreadful cancer can be funded.
Fundraising has been fun, and there are great events that you can join in with like the London Marathon.
It really matters that this devastating disease gets funding and publicity. The diagnostic results are extremely poor. It’s brutal, it’s devastating and it’s not discovered in time for effective treatment to save lives.”
So why volunteer?
“Being part of the volunteering team at Pancreatic Cancer UK is so rewarding, and it’s almost a lifeline for the friends and families of sufferers. It brings us together to make a huge difference. So please join us in wearing the purple Pancreatic Cancer UK t-shirt, raising vital funds and awareness, and improving the future for everyone affected by pancreatic cancer.”
We’re looking for volunteers to cheer, clap, shout and generally make some noise at this year’s London Marathon on Sunday 2nd October. If you would like to join Sally and our fabulous team of volunteers on race day, then we would love to hear from you.