Ten years on. Amplifying our voices for early pancreatic cancer diagnosis once more.

Community action made this debate possible, as 100,000 signatures were collected to bring attention to this devastating disease. As we approach this anniversary, we reflect on both the progress made and the challenges that remain.

While awareness has grown, the advancements in early diagnosis and survival rates have been painfully slow.  This is why, on the morning of 6th September, we’re calling on volunteers to gather at Parliament Square outside Westminster in London, to raise vital awareness and make their voices heard again. We will meet at the Sir Winston Churchill statue at 10.30am to raise awareness, advocate for change, and amplify the call for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Ten years ago, a petition was started with the hope of changing the narrative around pancreatic cancer. Partway through the campaign, it gained an unexpected but powerful ally – Julie Hesmondhalgh, known for her role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street. Her character’s storyline – living with terminal pancreatic cancer – resonated with many in the pancreatic cancer community, and Julie’s support was huge in the petition’s success. Julie tirelessly promoted the cause in every interview, bringing much-needed attention to our efforts and encouraging more people to sign it.

The momentum didn’t stop there. Dedicated supporters like Maggie Watts and Sandra Francis took the message to local press and radio stations, further boosting the petition’s visibility. Maggie also enlisted the help of her local MP, Nic Dakin, who secured adjournment debates and, upon reaching 100,000 signatures, led a three-hour long debate in Parliament. Amazingly, it was the most supported Backbench Business Debate at the time, both by MPs and the public. The collective energy of those who believed in the cause was clear, and the sense of accomplishment on that day will never be forgotten.

Pancreatic Cancer Action, our supporters, and other charities all played a pivotal role in making this happen, and the ripple effect of that effort is still felt today. However, despite these efforts, much remains to be done.

The harsh reality is that pancreatic cancer survival rates and research funding still lag far behind those for other cancers. Early diagnosis is crucial, yet it remains elusive for too many patients. This is why we’re calling on everyone who has been touched by this cause and everyone who believes in the power of our community to join us on 6th September.

Your presence at Parliament Square can be a statement. A message to policymakers that we won’t be silent. It’s a message to those affected by pancreatic cancer that they are not alone. And it’s a message to ourselves that, even in the face of slow progress, we will continue to fight for change.

Maggie and Sandra – and the pancreatic cancer community – have BIG plans for the not-too-distant future and we need your support once again. The next campaign will be bigger, louder and bolder. Together, this time, we are determined to be heard.

Meet us at the Sir Winston Churchill statue at 10.30am on 6th September to honour the legacy of the petition and continue the work that was started a decade ago. Join us, amplify your voice, and let’s make sure that in another ten years, we’re celebrating real, tangible progress.

We hope to see you at Parliament Square.