Hundreds of walkers to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer on South Perth foreshore

HUNDREDS of people have registered for a fundraising walk on the South Perth foreshore with goal of raising awareness of pancreatic cancer.

More than 200 people have registered for Avner’s Pancreatic Cancer Foundation 5km Put Your Foot Down walk at Sir James Mitchell Park at 10am on Sunday.

Hocking resident Nigel Toomer said he has been a pancreatic cancer survivor for three years but was initially given only four to six months to live.

“I’ve lost numerous friends that have been part of the walk as well, so my feet are walking for them too,” he said.

Mr Toomer said he didn’t know what a pancreas was when he was diagnosed in 2016 and has since attended the walk four times.

“I was unable to walk the first time, I actually sat in the car while my family and friends did the walk for me,” he said.

“This year I’m wearing a dress to walk because I’ve raised my quota for fundraising.”

South Perth resident Janet Gilmour said she decided to walk after a close friend was recently diagnosed and also to remember her mother-in-law.

“My mother-in-law passed away from pancreatic cancer four years ago and that was pretty hard to watch because she passed away at home,” she said.

Ms Gilmour said she would be walking to support loved ones and bring awareness and understanding that there can be survivors from pancreatic cancer.

“We had exactly the same reaction of as soon as you find out someone’s got pancreatic cancer, you think 18 months,” she said.

“If something’s not right, go to the doctors.”

For more information, visit https://putyourfootdownperth2019.gofundraise.com.au/