Volunteers lace up for pancreatic cancer awareness

Volunteers recently prepared hundreds of shoes and trainers for an art installation designed to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.

The event at Frome Medical Practice brought together members of the local community, including people personally affected by pancreatic cancer, a group from Frome Town Rotary Club and artist Caroline Rudge.

Caroline is leading the creation of the installation as part of a pancreatic cancer awareness campaign, supported by funding from the Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire Cancer Alliance.

Throughout the morning, volunteers threaded purple ribbons through hundreds of donated shoes and trainers, preparing them for display. Each shoe represents one of the lives lost to pancreatic cancer every month, creating a visual reminder of the impact of the disease on families and communities.

Volunteers also shared stories and memories of loved ones affected by cancer while working together to prepare the installation.

Managing Partner at Frome Medical Practice, Karen Creffield, said, “We were delighted to see so many people come along to support this project. There was a wonderful sense of community spirit throughout the morning as volunteers worked side by side, lacing hundreds of shoes and sharing personal stories. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated shoes, gave their time at the lace-up morning and to Caroline for helping us create such a meaningful way to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.”

Caroline said, “Every shoe in this installation represents a life and a family affected by pancreatic cancer. Seeing so many people come together to support the project was incredibly moving and I am grateful to everyone who helped prepare the shoes for the installation.”

The completed installation will be displayed at Frome Medical Practice later this year, helping to start conversations about pancreatic cancer, its symptoms and the importance of seeking medical advice.

Symptoms can vary but may include indigestion, tummy or back pain, changes to poo, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, digestion problems, feeling or being sick, blood clots, fatigue and jaundice.

Anyone experiencing unexplained symptoms is advised to seek medical advice.

For more information about pancreatic cancer, including signs and symptoms, visit https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/.