A POPULAR Ashlawn School science teacher will be remembered at an event to raise money for the ‘underfunded’ fight against the disease which killed him.
Rugby Borough Councillor Kieren Brown is holding the event on Friday (October 13) to raise funds and awareness for Pancreatic Cancer UK after losing his dad Richard to the illness a year ago.
The family were on holiday in Ireland when the former Ashlawn head of science began suffering stomach pain. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and died just four weeks later at the age of 66.
Kieren said: “Within a month he went from being fine, then he was gone. The cancer was insidious, we didn’t know there was anything wrong until it was too late.
“We are not alone – people lose others to this illness all the time. It doesn’t care about age or class.”
Richard was known for his sense of humour and his devotion to his pupils. “He lived life to the fullest and made every day count,” said Kieren. “I miss him so much.”
Kieren hopes to attract as many people as possible to attend the fundraiser, which will feature a prize quiz, raffle, buffet and live music.
He said: “Pancreatic cancer research needs all the cash that can be raised.
“The outstanding work that is done for breast cancer or bowel cancer research, for instance, has led to a marked increase in survival rates. Breast cancer is now 78 per cent survival after 10 years, and bowel cancer is now 57 per cent after 10 years, looking to rise by another 25 per cent over the next few years.
“Pancreatic cancer, however, has a one per cent survival rate over the past 10 years, and this hasn’t changed for 40 years. It’s silent, very aggressive and research is underfunded.”
Kieren praised the work of Macmillan, Myton Hospices and Pancreatic Cancer UK for their support during his dad’s illness and after his death.
The event takes place at the Railway Club, Hillmorton Road, on Friday (October 13) from 7pm. Tickets (£10 for adults, £5 for under-16s) will be available on the door. Call 01788 842226 or email [email protected] for more information.
