Finchley author and survivor of the deadliest common cancer, Ivor Jacobs, joins The Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) to support Pancreatic Cancer UK this Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month by selling Ivor’s new books; a collection of over 400 Limericks, covering six years of living with pancreatic cancer, and “Ants in His Pants,” a business biography, with no-cost printing by Print Evolved. Ivor’s Son-in-Law, David Ward has joined in with raising money for the charity through Constant Pickler, his pickle business which he started as a hobby.
Ivor, 79 has been taking on pancreatic cancer – the deadliest common cancer – through writing about his journey, backed by the print company he recently retired from and the IPIA. Ivor has been adding to his fundraising activities by writing these two books and so far, overall has raised over £12,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK. He is determined to raise more desperately needed funds for the charity that will go towards vital research into early diagnosis and treatment, as well as support for those affected by the disease.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and Ivor has chosen to support the charity because he continues to survive and is desperate to help finance research into early detection. This saved him from an early death, but the same can’t be said for his mother, cousin, other relatives and friends. Tragically, 80% of people with the disease are not diagnosed until after it has spread and is no longer operable.
Ivor said: “As one of the relatively few whose pancreatic cancer was accidentally discovered early, I’ve seen the difference this makes to coping and the outcome. I feel obliged to do what I can to raise awareness of the disease, by providing information for genetic research, and writing my limericks to raise money. It’s really the only thing I can do, and it could make a huge difference!
“When I was told I had pancreatic cancer it was only a little shock, as there is a family history of the disease. Nevertheless, witnessing my Mum slowly die of this cancer, I knew there could be a long and horrible slog ahead for me. For many years I have tried to write limerick style verses for songs, for birthday cards and other occasions. Tirza, my wife, usually steps in to help, and the results have given others a chance to find humour during such a dark time; we have sometimes even been thanked for our efforts.”
Ivor continued: “I always carry pen and paper with me to jot down notes, things to do, anything that springs to mind. One day, shortly after diagnosis on the train to the hospital, I thought I’d jot down verses on how I got to where I am. Somehow, I just continued to write and now, I can’t stop. Five years ago, I put some verses on YouTube thinking they might help raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, but this approach didn’t raise much. Yet, a few friends commented – and you never know whether in jest or meaning it – that reading my verses was a good discipline both for myself, and for others. So, I kept writing.”
I must say that the process has been somewhat cathartic, especially thinking that others may have a read, get something out of it and donate money to the cause. My wife Tirza and I are delighted to have funded the limerick book, so that every penny received from its sale, goes straight to Pancreatic Cancer UK.”
Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer. It has vague symptoms, such as back pain, indigestion and unexpected weight-loss which are also common to many less serious health conditions. Due to this, the disease often goes undetected until after it has spread to other parts of the body, and it is inoperable. More than half of people with pancreatic cancer die within three months of diagnosis. While significant and welcome strides have been made in improving outcomes for many other types of cancer, there has been almost no progress in pancreatic cancer. The appalling odds of survival for the disease have barely improved since the 1970s.
Pancreatic Cancer UK is taking on this devastating disease by investing in ground-breaking research and supporting patients and their loved ones through its free-phone Support Line staffed by specialist nurses.
Common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include indigestion, back or tummy pain, changes to your poo, unexpected weight-loss or loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellow skin or eyes and itchy skin). If a person has any of these symptoms and they don’t know why they have them, they should contact their GP or call NHS 111. If they have jaundice, they need to go to their GP or A&E straight away.
Sue Collins, Director of Fundraising at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “We are delighted that Ivor Jacobs and The IPIA is supporting us in these unique ways, and we would like to wish Ivor and David Ward – The Constant Pickler, the very best of luck.
“Tragically, 80% of pancreatic cancer patients are currently diagnosed too late to receive the only potentially life-saving treatment for the disease, surgery. Decades of underinvestment has meant that odds of survival have barely improved since the 1970s. The funds raised by Ivor, The IPIA and The Constant Pickler will help us offer support to patients and families, invest in vital research to bring us closer to the breakthroughs we urgently need, and be a voice for everyone affected by the disease.”
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