In loving memory of
Joachim Conrad
27/08/1947 - 25/07/2017
We wish you were here.
Support my challenge to fight for a world without pancreatic cancer
My uncle died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 52, I am 47 now. In mid-May 2017, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he was 69. By the time it was found, it had already spread to his liver, lungs and abdominal cavity.
Looking back, there were signs, but none that seemed unusual at the time. He had suffered with back pain for years after breaking his back in a car accident in his twenties, so worsening pain wasn't immediately alarming. He was a little more tired than usual, but he was in his late sixties, and my mum has always been the faster walker. He had stopped drinking because alcohol simply didn't agree with him anymore, and he had lost some weight, but not noticeably around his stomach, so it went largely unnoticed.
His battle with pancreatic cancer was fierce, devastating and heartbreakingly short. He tried palliative chemotherapy in the hope of slowing the disease, but sadly it appeared to accelerate his decline rather than help. Just over two months after his diagnosis, he died on 25 July 2017. Those final weeks were unimaginably difficult, and while losing him was devastating, we were also grateful that he no longer had to endure such suffering.
For our family, pancreatic cancer is not just a statistic or something that happens to other people. It is a lived reality that has profoundly shaped our lives and reminds us of just how aggressive and unforgiving this disease can be.
This September, it will have been over 470 weeks since we lost Dad. Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer in the UK, and 31 people are diagnosed every single day.
Studies have found that stress accelerates the growth of pancreatic cancer, so this September, my busiest work month of the year, I'm challenging myself to get up, get moving, prioritise my health and walk 140 km to remember my Dad and raise awareness of this particular cancer. 140km because 140 people die every 5 days in the UK from pancreatic cancer.
If you're able to, please consider making a donation. Every contribution helps support research, raise awareness and bring hope to families facing this devastating disease.
My Activity Tracking
26
kms
My target 140 kms
My memory wall for my dad, Joachim
My updates
Chasing Pulp
Dedicated walks x 2
Autumn has arrived
First (slightly fragmented) 5kms
Thank you to my sponsors
£45.10
Chris & Kamilla
£10
Emma Yeung
What a lovely thing to do, go Fran! All the best. From Emma and Charly
£20
David Stock
£12.25
Kay Wilkinson
Hi Fran, terrible disease and wish you luck on your trek, Best wishes Kay (AUB)
£58
David Walker
Well done Fran. This is a great cause to be supporting!
£23.45
Phil Sewell
£10
Hazel
£20
Keith & Cresta
Good luck Fran x
£109.25
Gary Underwood
Go Fran! Such an amazing thing to do 🤩 Love you xx
£28.44
Tink Stephenson
Sending lots of love, Fran xx
£23.45
Andy Schwarz
£28.44
Franziska Conrad
Thank you to my sponsors
£28.44
Tink Stephenson
Sending lots of love, Fran xx
£28.44
Franziska Conrad
£23.45
Phil Sewell
£23.45
Andy Schwarz
£20
David Stock
£20
Keith & Cresta
Good luck Fran x
£12.25
Kay Wilkinson
Hi Fran, terrible disease and wish you luck on your trek, Best wishes Kay (AUB)
£10
Emma Yeung
What a lovely thing to do, go Fran! All the best. From Emma and Charly
£10
