MEMBERS of a Newport-based pancreatic support group met with politicians and scientists to discuss the disease last week.

Team Wales for Pancreatic Cancer is a Facebook support group for patients and families affected by pancreatic cancer.

Four months ago members also set up a support group run from St David’s Hospice, called Pancan Pals (Gwent), which runs on the second Tuesday of each month.

Last Wednesday (June 10) two members of Team Wales for Pancreatic Cancer, Linda Reardon and Mandy Jones, together with David Park, campaigns manager for Pancreatic Cancer UK, visited the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff to meet with Kirsty Williams AM and Andrew RT Davies AM to discuss early diagnosis, research, nutrition and care for terminal patients.

On Thursday (June 11) a group from Team Wales for Pancreatic Cancer also visited the Institute for Stem Cell Research at Cardiff University to meet with Dr Catherine Hogan and her team, to see their research into Pancreatic Cancer cell development. This again was a very successful visit and everyone gained something from the experience.

The members are now planning fundraising events, with Pancreatic Cancer awareness month in November and World Pancreatic Cancer awareness day on November 13.

If anyone would like to get involved and knows of a prominent building or landmark in their area that could be lit up purple to raise awareness of the disease please email Voice@pancreaticcancer.org.uk and check out the website www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk

Team Wales will be holding a charity ball at the Celtic Manor resort on November 7. Tickets will be £50 for a three course meal, live entertainment, auction and raffle and wearing purple is requested. Please go to www.butterflyballforpc.wales for more information.

Pancan Pals (Gwent) meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 10am to 12pm.

New members are very welcome. Please contact Linda Reardon for further information on MrsLinda.Reardon@outlook.com