Purple lights fight pancreatic cancer

purple lights for hopeBuildings across Brixton will be lit up in purple to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer.

The Ritzy cinema and Foxton’s estate agents have signed up to be part of Purple Lights for Hope, run by charity Pancreatic Cancer UK, on November 1 and a number of other buildings in Brixton are expected to join in.

Amber Kenworthy, who is from Brixton, is organising the light-up. She is encouraging as many businesses to get involved as possible.

“I want to raise awareness and the more buildings that do it, the more of an impact it will have,” she said. “My father, who was very fond of Brixton, died of pancreatic cancer two and a half years ago. We had no idea what to expect or how serious it was when he was diagnosed. He only survived eight months of this horrid cancer.”

“Lighting up in purple helps to put a spotlight on pancreatic cancer and to highlight a disease that many people still know very little about. It is intended to symbolise hope and inspiration.”

Purple Lights for Hope marks the start of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November.

One person dies from pancreatic cancer every hour, making it the UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer.

Buildings and landmarks around the UK will be lighting up to raise awareness in local communities.

In its inaugural year, 60 were lit up in the UK, including the Trafalgar Square Fountains, the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, the Brighton Wheel and the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.

If you would like to get your building or business involved, email smileyamber@hotmail.com or call Amber Kenworthy on 07977 406488.