Our Marathon Runners: John Deakin
John Deakin, 73, from South Wales, is taking on the incredible challenge of running the 2018 London Marathon for Pancreatic Cancer Action.
The avid runner, who previously served 30 years in the Royal Air Force, will be taking part in 26 mile race to help raise vital awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer – the UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer.
The former Football Referee and Senior Administrator for the Football Association of Wales says, “Having won my place in the ballot, I considered several very worthy charities to support. I decided on Pancreatic Cancer Action as I had a spell of Pancreatitis in 2012 which made me far more aware of Pancreatic Cancer and the very poor survival rates of this terrible disease.”
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 honoured that John has chosen to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer Action.”
“We rely solely on donations from the public and thanks to people like John that we can continue our vital work. Please back him in his fundraising efforts so that we can continue research into early diagnosis and raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.”