A landmark bridge in the centre of Inverness will tonight light up with purple lights as part of a campaign to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.
Ness Bridge, which extends from Bridge Street to Young Street, will light up purple every day until November 11 as part of Pancreatic Cancer Action’s ‘turn it purple’ campaign in November.
The campaign aims to generate discussion and awareness of the fifth deadliest cancer in the UK by calling for people and businesses to embrace purple – the symbolic colour for pancreatic cancer.
This can help boost funding to help drive earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments for the illness.
Every year, almost 9,000 men and women will be newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and due to late diagnosis, they will be faced with a shockingly low three per cent chance of survival and an average life expectancy of just three to six months.
Surgery is currently the only cure for pancreatic cancer, but only 10% are diagnosed in time for this to be an option.
Lorna Taylor, who lost her sister to the illness two years ago, successfully requested that the beautiful bridge take part. She said: “I am delighted that Highland Council has chosen to support this campaign to raise much needed awareness.”
Councillor Jimmy Gray, convener of Highland Council, said: “We are pleased to be able to support Pancreatic Cancer Action in this awareness-raising campaign. By helping to light up the Ness Bridge – a key landmark in Inverness – we are symbolically highlighting the message about being aware of Pancreatic Cancer.”
Ali Stunt, CEO at Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “Each year we are overwhelmed by the huge numbers of supporters who embrace the colour purple to raise awareness. We are delighted that Highland Council are taking part. It’s thanks to the generosity of organisations that the initiative will become a success and more people will become aware.”
To take part in turn it purple or to find out more about pancreatic cancer visit www.pancreaticcanceraction.org