Lap of the Lough to tackle pancreatic cancer
Gareth, 44 year old father of two from Londonderry, will be taking on a 100-mile bike ride around Lough Neagh, the largest lake in Ireland and Britain. He will be starting the Lap of the Lough challenge on the 27th August raising money and awareness for the charity Pancreatic Cancer Action.
Gareth has been inspired to raise money in this challenge after hearing about a local family in Northern Ireland who have been affected by pancreatic cancer and are dedicated to raising awareness of the disease. Kerry lost her husband, Noel, to pancreatic cancer 6 years ago and set up an action fund for the charity where she has raised over £40,000.
Gareth says “I did not know Noel but heard of Action4Noel and Kerry through a friend. And the more I heard about her story and her fight for more awareness and research and support for people suffering from Pancreatic Cancer and their families here in Northern Ireland inspired me to do this challenge.”
“I like many others have been affected personally by cancer and I believe the more we can do to fund research and raise awareness the better chance we have of beating it.”
“Until I became aware of Kerry I like many hadn’t heard much about Pancreatic Cancer and how low the survival rates are from this horrible type of cancer. So, if me doing this 100 mile cycle can help support even one family and make more people aware of this type of cancer will make it worthwhile.”
Pancreatic cancer is the UK’s 5th biggest cancer killer. The survival rate is just 5% which is the lowest of any cancer.
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. The charity fund research into early diagnosis, provide medical education programmes, and launch awareness campaigns.
Ali Stunt, Founder of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “We are so delighted that Gareth is giving up his time to support Pancreatic Cancer Action in this incredible challenge.”
“We rely solely on donations from the public and thanks to people like Gareth that we can continue our vital work. Please back Gareth a in his fundraising efforts so that we can continue research into early diagnosis and raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.”
To sponsor the Gareth please visit his Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gareth-mccloskey