A statement from our Chair of Trustees, Lynne
We’ll get through this, together.
As someone who has been fortunate to survive pancreatic cancer, l know how tough it is to face this cruel disease. Over the years we’ve all encountered many challenges – but together we’ve made progress possible.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is one of the biggest challenges we’ve faced yet. It is deeply affecting all of our lives, but for people with pancreatic cancer, it is an especially worrying time.
We know many people will be concerned about their risk of infection or the availability of treatment and care. We want to reassure you that we are here and will do everything we can over the next few months to give anyone affected by pancreatic cancer the information and support they need.
- Please remember, we are here for you and anyone who needs us.
- Our specialist nurses are still available via our Support Line on 0808 801 0707, 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday.
- We have information and support available on our website for people with pancreatic cancer and their loved ones, including specific information relating to coronavirus.
- We’re working together with a coalition of cancer charities, and with other pancreatic cancer charities, to make sure that the information people facing cancer receive is consistent and easy to understand.
- Our discussion forum is open, and our nurses will be sharing tips and information for people facing pancreatic cancer during the coronavirus outbreak.
- Our dedicated researchers are finding innovative ways to continue their work so that progress doesn’t stall during this period.
- We will continue to campaign for better care and outcomes for people with pancreatic cancer.
- We’re all working from home, but our vital work will continue as usual.
Can you help us continue this vital support?
Pancreatic cancer doesn’t stop during a global pandemic. In fact, with treatment and care affected, our specialist nurses are needed now more than ever, to give people practical information and emotional support, and to help ease the burden for our colleagues in the NHS.
We’re determined to do everything we can to support people with pancreatic cancer through this difficult time and beyond. But the spread of coronavirus, and the need for social distancing is inevitably having a significant impact on our fundraising income. We are carefully considering everything we can do in response to this, to make sure we can continue to be there for those who need us in the future.
As a valued supporter, any gift you can give – big or small – will help us make sure our nurses can be there for people affected by pancreatic cancer, when they are needed most.
Thank you so much for everything you do. We’re in this together, and we’ll get through it by supporting each other. Please take care – wishing you and your loved ones good health.
Lynne
Chair of Trustees at Pancreatic Cancer UK