We are proud to announce that our Charity of the year 2025 is Pancreatic Cancer UK (PCUK), a charity that was voted for by our teams, many of whom have a connection to this awful disease.
At Aitchison Raffety we will be supporting PCUK throughout the year, through a series of fundraising activities, employee-led initiatives and awareness campaigns. We are determined to raise much-needed funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, which will go towards vital research into early diagnosis and treatment, as well as support for those affected by the disease.
PCUK was nominated by one of our team Deborah Duckham, whose sister was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer, and sadly passed away within three months of her first diagnosis. “More research is needed to help with earlier detection, so treatment may be more effective if caught at an earlier stage.”
Gill Crowther, People Director at Aitchison Raffety said: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with Pancreatic Cancer UK, as it’s a charity with a personal connection to Debbie and others within our team. Their dedication to supporting all those affected by this heart-breaking disease and raising awareness is truly inspiring, and we’re excited to help in any way we can to support their incredible work.”
Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer in the UK, with more than half of people with the disease dying within just three months of diagnosis. Survival rates for pancreatic cancer have barely improved in 50 years – in stark contrast to the welcome progress made in outcomes for many other types of cancer. Vague symptoms – including persistent indigestion, back or tummy pain, unexpected weight loss and changes to poo – mean pancreatic cancer is very difficult to diagnose in its early stages and, currently, there are no screening programmes or early detection tests to help doctors. Tragically, 80% of people are diagnosed too late for lifesaving treatment.
Pancreatic Cancer UK is taking on this devastating cancer by investing in ground-breaking research, and by supporting patients and their loved ones through its Support Line staffed entirely by specialist pancreatic cancer nurses.
Sue Collins, Director of Fundraising at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “We are incredibly grateful that Aitchison Raffety is supporting us and we would like to wish them the very best of luck”
“Tragically, 80% of pancreatic cancer patients are currently diagnosed too late to receive the only potentially life-saving treatment for the disease, surgery. Decades of underinvestment in research has meant that the odds of surviving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is no better now than it was 50 years ago. The funds raised by Aitchison Raffety will help us offer support to patients and families, invest in vital research to help us see the breakthroughs we urgently need, and be a voice for everyone affected by the deadliest common cancer.”
If you would like to support Aitchison Raffety, you can do so at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/aitchison-raffety-1
For more information about Pancreatic Cancer UK, symptoms, treatment and support, please visit their website – Pancreatic Cancer UK – We bring more than hope