The initiative at Kimbolton Castle was championed by a former Kimbolton School pupil. Oli Burbage-Hall arranged for the castle to light up in support of a colleague currently undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer and in memory of another colleague who recently died from the disease. Oli, now a charity manager, had been talking to his old school about his plans to complete a running challenge in Greenland in 2026 when he decided to ask if the light up would be possible.
Oli said: “There is a real sense of helplessness when a dreadful disease like this takes hold of someone you care about. Getting involved in the Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer campaign has allowed me to do something meaningful to put a spotlight on a disease that many people still know so very little about. I was delighted when Kimbolton School agreed to get involved.”
Will Chuter, Headmaster at Kimbolton School, said: “We were proud to support this important national campaign and to see Kimbolton Castle illuminated in purple for World Pancreatic Cancer Day. It is a striking way to raise awareness of a disease that affects so many families. We are also very pleased to support a former pupil whose efforts to make a difference are truly inspiring to everyone in our community and beyond.”
Nearly 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year and shockingly, less than 7% of those diagnosed will survive beyond five years. The disease currently receives just 3% of UK cancer research funding, despite being the UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer.
Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer is supported by UK-based charities Pancreatic Cancer UK, Pancreatic Cancer Action and Planets.
To find out more about Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer, please visit purplelightsuk.org or e-mail [email protected]
