Organiser, Philippa, hopes to raise £10k for Pancreatic Cancer UK
Philippa Leach is organising a Pancreatic Cancer Fundraising Gala at Cave Castle, South Cave, in memory of Paul Anderson and Sheila Shotts, (pictured) who both died from pancreatic cancer(Image: Philippa Leach/gofundme.com)
A woman motivated by the premature deaths of two people close to her hopes to be able to donate £10,000 to the charity researching into the early diagnosis of the cancer that claimed their lives. Philippa Leach is organising a Pancreatic Cancer Fundraising Gala at Cave Castle, South Cave, in November.
Philippa has sold all 187 guest tickets but she hopes to reach her target via a GoFundMe appeal page, a raffle and an auction, and via sponsorship. Philippa said: “The motivation behind this gala is the premature loss of my sister, Sheila, and my husband’s best friend, Paul, both from pancreatic cancer.
“This is the tenth most common cancer but has the worst prognosis. Symptoms tend to be silent and by the time a diagnosis is given, the cancer has usually spread to other parts of the body.
“It tends to be too late for curative treatment. However, we hope to help to change all this.
“All funds raised will be donated to the charity Pancreatic Cancer UK who are funding research into early diagnosis. This could save 10,000 lives each year.”
Philippa said: “We are backing a winning horse. Breath test screening trials have begun.”
The gala will be held at Cave Castle on Saturday, November 14, when guests will enjoy a drinks reception, followed by a three-course meal, a high-end auction, and live entertainment from two “fantastic” bands – Amy’s Winehouse Band and The Ekoes. “It promises to be a wonderful night of celebration, remembrance and community – all in aid of a cause that means so much to us,” said Philippa.
“Although the reason for the evening is sad, Paul and Sheila both enjoyed a good party and there is ‘fun’ in fundraising.” As part of the occasion, a sibling will speak about Sheila and a video for Pancreatic Cancer UK will be shown.
Philippa’s GoFundMe page said: “Like so many others, my husband’s best mate Paul (Anderson) and my sister Sheila (Shotts), were recently taken from us far too soon by pancreatic cancer. They were both fit, healthy, and had a zest for life.
“Sheila and Paul were deeply loved and are sadly missed. Sadly, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed too late for effective treatment.
“In the UK, pancreatic cancer is the tenth most common cancer. Treatment can be extremely tough, and the prognosis is poor.
“However, I truly believe that early detection can change that — offering hope, time, and the chance of a cure.” It said: “During Sheila’s illness, our family received invaluable support and information from Pancreatic Cancer UK, whose mission is to take on this devastating disease by supporting those affected, funding groundbreaking research; campaigning for greater recognition and giving a voice to everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer.”
Philippa said: “Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to earlier detection and better treatment for pancreatic cancer. Together, we can make a difference.”
Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here .