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Four people holding a fabric flag for pancreatic cancer UK

Stamping out pancreatic cancer one step at a time

Saturday 17th July saw a magnificent 158 walkers join the first ever Team Scotland to take on The Big Step Forward, our walking event, now in its second year.

The incredible efforts of Team Scotland, along with that of 1,637 walkers across the whole of the UK, resulted in an amazing fundraising total of £213,015.

Our Head of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Dawn Crosby, not only supported the walkers across Scotland on the day, but took part to raise funds that will help support world-leading researchers to speed up diagnosis and improve treatments and fund vital services for those affected by the disease.  

Here we take a look at some of the supporters that were part of Team Scotland  

Team Oban, with 123 members aged from 2 to 72, took part for a second year. Their approach to The Big Step Forward was a 24 hour walkathon, the brainchild of Finlo Cottier, a friend of our Patient and Carer Advisory Board Member, Adrian Beard, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last May. Adrian explains how the walkathon came about here and the idea stuck for a second year.  

 The team took in the Gallanach Loop while 47 people joined Team Oban virtually in locations such as Ben Cruachan, Edinburgh, Crieff, Aviemore, Arran, North Uist, Farnham, Manchester, Long Man of Wilmington in Sussex, Northumberland, Stonehenge and overseas in Tromsø, Norway, Perth and Melbourne in Australia. In total Team Oban walked an incredible 931 miles.   

Team Oban

“I thought that it would be tough to reach the fundraising target of £5000 this year, little did I know that it would be doubled! Last year I shared my diagnosis with my friends and family on Facebook and have had an out pouring of love and support both locally and globally over the intervening period, it has been truly uplifting. This event was all about connecting people, being positive and supportive to each other. At the end of the day all that matters are the relationships that we have, so it was amazing to see even more people come together for this event. It was once again a truly amazing, inspirational and memorable day.” Adrian Beard

Team Nicola

Another team taking part was Team Nicola, who did a round trip of the Falkirk Stadium – Helix Park – Kelpies.  There were 15 walkers plus Dawn and Pancreatic Cancer UK supporter, Kim Rowan. The Thomson’s were walking in memory of Nicola, Wendy and Ian’s daughter who died 5 months after diagnosis at the age of 25.

It was fantastic to also have the support of Clare Adamson MSP at Strathclyde Country Park where along with Dawn and Kim she completed 4 miles. 

“Few people realise that pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer in Scotland – with tragically low survival rates. One of my team lost her mum at an incredibly young age to this dreadful disease.  Since then, I have been making efforts to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer in the Scottish Parliament. It is a privilege to take part in The Big Step Forward.  You will not find more dedicated and passionate activists than those in the pancreatic cancer community.  Their tireless efforts to get this cause where it needs to be on the political agenda is making a real difference to people’s lives.” Clare Adamson MSP 

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Quotemarks Created with Sketch.

I feel so privileged to be a part of Team Scotland and the wider UK effort of amazing walkers. It was so fantastic to meet and walk with so many dedicated supporters, even in the heat that we are somewhat unaccustomed to in Scotland. Now, I can’t wait until next year!

Dawn Crosby, Head of Scotland and Northern Ireland

We are so grateful to everyone that took part in The Big Step Forward in Scotland and throughout the rest of the UK. Thank you so much.  

 Find out more about ways you can fundraise for Pancreatic Cancer UK 

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