The Frome community has helped an artist create a new installation to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, set to be unveiled on World Pancreatic Cancer Day.
The artwork, titled 800 Missed Steps, has been created by artist Caroline Rudge with help from local volunteers and will be displayed at Frome Medical Practice.
The title represents the number of lives lost to pancreatic cancer in the UK each month.
The installation will be unveiled at the practice on Thursday 19th November from 2pm to 4pm. Members of the public are invited to drop in to view the artwork and meet Caroline. A further opportunity to visit will be held on Saturday 21st November from midday to 2pm.
Local people donated hundreds of pairs of shoes and trainers and took part in two volunteer mornings, helping to lace them with purple ribbon and cut out purple butterflies for the final artwork.
Caroline said, “This installation exists to raise awareness of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. I wanted to make something that would be an eye-catching talking point, including hundreds of shoes, butterflies and written messages and yet I also wanted a deep personal element in the story drawers, which viewers of the installation will see, as I lost my father to this disease.
“I’m hoping this artwork will open up conversations and invite questions, and encourage others to share their stories and experiences of pancreatic cancer. I look forward to meeting members of the public at our upcoming open events, which they are warmly invited to.”
The project was funded by the Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance to highlight the importance of early diagnosis.
Dr Rachel Brown, Primary Care Lead for SWAG Cancer Alliance, said, “Early diagnosis is really important in pancreatic cancer to give people the best treatment options and outcomes, and so we’re really pleased to see this powerful art installation and hope it serves as an important reminder for people not to put off seeing their GP if they have any health concerns.”
Managing Partner at Frome Medical Practice Karen Creffield said, “The 800 Missed Steps installation is a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together behind an important cause. We have been overwhelmed by the support shown by local volunteers who have given their time to help create this artwork and by the input of Caroline.”
For information about pancreatic cancer, including signs and symptoms and what to do if you are concerned, visit pancreaticcancer.org.uk
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