National Walk for Pancreatic Cancer

On Sunday 18 August, the boardwalk of Manly Beach will be turned into a sea of purple, as walkers from around the state unite to raise much needed funds and awareness for a disease that is of increasing concern in Australia, Pancreatic Cancer.

Residents from Sydney and beyond, many who have been affected by the disease, will meet at North Steyne dressed spectacularly in purple and meander along Manly beachfront as they put their foot down for Pancreatic Cancer and unite the community in the fight against the disease. Purple is the internationally recognised colour for Pancreatic Cancer and each year we see a host of walkers, human and canine, with wonderfully elaborate purple outfits to support the cause.

Caroline Kelly, the charity’s Co-Founder and Executive Director says: “Sydney has been the home of The Foundation for over 10 years and it is always special to see the Sydney community unite each year. Manly is a wonderful location for a fundraising walk and we are grateful to local organisations and businesses for the support we have received for this low profile, but devastating disease”.

Pancreatic Cancer is one of the most lethal cancers with a current 5-year survival rate of just 9.8%, and four out of every five patients diagnosed face a median survival of less than 12 months. 3,200 people are diagnosed each year, with the disease claiming virtually the same amount of lives as Breast Cancer in Australia. Even with these statistics, Pancreatic Cancer remains chronically under-funded.

Over $1,000,000 has been raised for Pancreatic Cancer research by the Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation from ‘Put Your Foot Down’ walks conducted across the nation over the last 10 years, and all profits from this event will be invested into vital research projects into the disease, to add to the $7 million invested into cutting edge medical research.

Prizes will be awarded on the day for best dressed and most funds raised. Merchandise will be on sale at the event, and refreshments include a coffee cart and BBQ breakfast.

Online pre-registration is encouraged, however on-the-day registrations will be open at 8:30am for a 9:30am start on Sunday 18 August.