Talented musician produces album to raise funds for pancreatic cancer
Ryan Yard, composer from Shropshire, is producing his own album of melodic contemporary classical music to raise money for a charity close to his heart – Pancreatic Cancer Action.
Ryan has been motivated to create the album as his mum, Christine, from Somerset, was sadly diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer in September 2017. Shortly after her first chemotherapy session, Christine’s husband, Chester, suddenly died.
Ryan says “He was heartbroken for my mum and literally died of a broken heart. It has put a great strain on us as a family and although I live 150 miles away I have made frequent trips home to help my mum.”
“Pancreatic Cancer is a hidden cancer. It burrows deep within and does everything in its power to spread. My mum has been hit by this very cancer and the impact to her life and those around her are beyond words.”
“We can’t beat pancreatic cancer fully…yet, but we can raise awareness and make sure that people know just how bad it can be.”
“My new album is dedicated to everybody affected by this cruel and merciless disease. One of the reasons I compose music is for the power it can have over our emotions and feelings. I hope that this album will touch, inspire and raise the spirits of all those that hear it and bring peace to those who desperately need it.”
“My fundraiser target is the money required to pay the musicians and studio and all additional money would go to your charity. I must stress this is a non-profit album for me and I will get no money for it.”
“Everyone that donates gets a download of the album and those that donate £10 or more will receive a CD and other goodies.”
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 delighted that Ryan is giving his time to support Pancreatic Cancer Action in such an incredible creation. We are very sorry to hear about Ryan’s mum, it is lovely that you are helping to raise awareness and funds for this disease.”
“We rely solely on donations from the public and thanks to people like Ryan 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.”