Kerry’s ‘chilly dips’ raise more than £1,000 for charity

THE frost-glazed winter air and freezing waters of the Gortin Lakes was not going to deter Kerry Irvine and her band of merry women from taking part in their late night swim on Thursday past – all in the name of pancreatic cancer.

You could argue, even, that the Omagh woman is ‘used to’ the cold by now – this particular dip was her 24th of the month, after all…

However this swim was different: Not only did it celebrate the end of her hopeful, important, and widespread campaign throughout the whole of November to raise money for local charity, ‘NIPANC’ – but it also marked the tenth anniversary of the death of her dearly-loved husband, Noel, who passed away from pancreatic cancer after a battle fought with courage and strength.

Speaking to the Ulster Herald, Kerry said that the support she has received from the people of Omagh and beyond has been ‘just amazing’.

“I would like to thank absolutely everyone who donated, or who came along to my swims,” Kerry said. “November is always a poignant month for me. It is, of course, pancreatic cancer awareness month, and memories of Noel are everywhere.

“But my challenge this year wasn’t just ‘about Noel’ anymore,” she added. “It was also about changing the numbers: Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all common cancers, and it’s also the fifth biggest cancer killer in the UK.

‘Time matters’

“But by raising awareness; by promoting the, often discreet, signs and symptoms, and by shouting about this from the rooftops and from the waters, perhaps one day pancreatic cancer will be fully understood by the public and by medical professionals – and diagnosed early.

“Because TIME MATTERS,” Kerry said. “And diagnosing this awful, silent killer as early as possible gives patients the best chance of survival.

“So let’s keep talking about it; spreading awareness; and donating to NIPANC, as, together, we can make a difference, we can change the numbers – and we can save people’s lives.”

To-date, Kerry has raised £1,474 for NIPANC – the only charity in the North working to improve the outcomes of pancreatic cancer by increasing public and medical understanding and awareness of the cancer.

The charity also promote awareness of its signs and symptoms; support patients and their families; while funding – and conducting – vital research.

l Kerry’s fundraiser is still ongoing. To support her important cause, and donate to NIPANC, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kerrywildswim

l Please visit www.NIPANC.org for more information on pancreatic cancer, including its symptoms