Sharing lived experience: Mark’s story

At Pancreatic Cancer UK, we always want to take a moment to recognise those who share their lived experience of pancreatic cancer through our participation activities. And what makes it more special is that next month is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month (PCAM). We have many people with lived experience doing a variety of activities to help raise vital awareness of our cause.  

Meet Mark (pictured above). He has used  his experience of pancreatic cancer to provide valuable feedback for our health professional education resources, as well as coordinating his own fundraising activities and raised awareness of pancreatic cancer and Pancreatic Cancer UK. Hear from Mark below: 

What motivated you to get involved at Pancreatic Cancer UK? 

I got involved with Pancreatic Cancer UK because I had a growth in my pancreas two years ago and had my whole pancreas removed. 

What have been your highlights so far?  

I’ve previously used my lived experience of pancreatic cancer to provide insights whilst being interviewed regarding the shortage of Creon (a type of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy to help manage symptoms of pancreatic cancer).  

I was also involved in inputting into educational training, to help health professionals better understand the needs and challenges of people affected by pancreatic cancer.

And alongside sharing your lived experience, you’ve also been involved in fundraising? Tell us about that: 

Yes, I have also been involved in fundraising, for example, in April I walked a marathon and raised over £2000 with my daughter. 

In November, it will be Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, you organised your own activity for PCAM 2024 didn’t you? Tell us more! 

As part of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 2024, I organised my own awareness raising activity, by running a 1000 minds campaign. This is where I recorded a video to reach 1000 people to share my experience of having symptoms of pancreatic cancer.  

And this coming PCAM in 2025, I am planning to write a song to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer. 

What are you most looking forward to in the future at Pancreatic Cancer UK?  

I look forward to continuing to help raise awareness of pancreatic cancer through Pancreatic Cancer UK. 

Thank you for all you do Mark, and we can’t wait to hear your song! 

We’re aware there’ll be many of you who can relate to Mark’s story, whether you’ve been affected by pancreatic cancer directly or you know someone who has. Please do reach out to our support services if you ever need it.  

Do you want to hear more stories like Mark’s? Hear from more volunteers below, who have also used their experience of pancreatic cancer to make impact: 

Ollie’s experience  

Karen’s experience  

Stewart’s experience