Dorset cancer support group get crocheting for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Purbeck Workshop based in Wool, Dorset, are taking part in Pancreatic Cancer Action’s Turn It Purple campaign to raise awareness of the UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer; pancreatic cancer. The workshop, which is dedicated to providing creative escape to those touch by cancer in the Dorset area, have been busy with their hooks and wool crocheting purple pansies to sell to raise funds and awareness of the disease.

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 an average life expectancy of just three to six months. In 2013 the South West had 956 cases of pancreatic cancer and with the shockingly low survival rate of just 4% at the time, sadly only 38 of those diagnosed survived.

By taking part in the Turn It Purple campaign, Purbeck Worskshop will help generate discussion and awareness of pancreatic cancer and its symptoms which could ultimately save lives. It is also a way to pay tribute to all those who suffer or have lost their battle to the disease.

The Workshop was founded by Paul Feeny in 2014, shortly before he passed away from bowel cancer. It offers a small and intimate venue that allows those living with or beyond cancer, and those who have lost loved ones, a chance to relax and have fun through crafting anything from flower arranging to wood turning.

With the help of crochet master Louise, the team have been making lots of purple pansies to sell in support of pancreatic cancer awareness. Sinead Feeny, Pauls wife, says:

“We hope to make them available for sale in our Workshop, local tea room, Ruby’s, and other local shops in Wool during the month of November to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Action.

“In an ideal world, nobody would have need to visit our little workshop. But, sadly people are faced with cancer all too often. We at the workshop would like to help in a small way to promote awareness of pancreatic cancer and help fund research into improving early detection and treatments.”

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: “Each year we are overwhelmed by the huge numbers of supporters who embrace the colour purple to raise awareness. We are very grateful to Purbeck Workshop for organising this event to raise funds and support this very important cause.

To find out more about Purbeck Workshop please visit: http://www.purbeckworkshop.org/