Eastleigh runner to take part in Grim Challenge in memory of her father
Victoria Smith, and her running partner Justine, both from Eastleigh , will be running the Grim Challenge on December 3rd for a cause very close to her heart. She will be raising money for Pancreatic Cancer Action in the off-road challenge held over Army vehicle testing tracks which is 8 miles long encountering mud, hills, trails, sand dunes and cammo nets.
Like many pancreatic cancer patients, Victoria’s dad was diagnosed too late, and was only 48 years old when he died 25 years ago. He was experiencing stomach pains but was miss-diagnosed with stomach ulcers until his pain got worse. It was then that doctors discovered he had pancreatic cancer which they thought was operable but whilst waiting 2 weeks for an operation they found that the cancer had spread to his liver. He was given just 3-6 months to live but didn’t make it and died on the 22 December 1991
Victoria says “I am doing this challenge not only in memory of my dad but to raise awareness of this deadly cancer. Not a lot has changed in the last 25 years due to late diagnosis. The survival rate has barely changed, there are not enough treatment options, and the has been chronically underfunded and I want to help change that.”
Currently, only 5% of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive beyond five years. Pancreatic Cancer Action is committed to working towards earlier diagnosis of the disease so that surgery, currently the only cure, is made available to the sufferer.
Ali Stunt, Founder of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “We are delighted that Victoria has given her time to support Pancreatic Cancer Action.
“As a charity, we rely on the generosity of people like Victoria, who help us continue our vital work. Please back Victoria who is taking on such a demanding challenge to raise money so that we can continue research into early diagnosis and raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.”
To help Victoria and give a donation please visit her Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Vicky-Smith24