Wirral nurse to raise cancer charity cash in husband's memory (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral nurse to raise cancer charity cash in husband's memory

9:46am Tuesday 14th August 2012 in News By Craig Manning

A WIRRAL nurse whose husband died from pancreatic cancer will blaze a trail through the night in his memory for Cancer Research UK next month.

Amanda McCormick, 43, will take part in the Shine night-time walk in Manchester on Saturday September 8 along with daughters Jessica aged 18 and 19-year-old Alex.

The women are taking on the 13-mile challenge in memory of their much loved dad and husband, Edward McCormick.

Edward, a former sales manager, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2009 after visiting his GP with symptoms of jaundice.

Surgery to remove the tumour put Edward into remission for more than a year, but in October 2010 his cancer returned.

Despite being enrolled on a clinical trial at the Christie Hospital in Manchester and given chemotherapy, Edward became unable to tolerate more treatment and tragically died in August last year at the age of 62.

During his remission Edward and Amanda took part in Shine Manchester in 2010 to raise funds for Cancer Research UK’s research into pancreatic cancer.

Amanda, who works as a nurse at Ashton House Hospital in Prenton and lives near Warrington, said: “Edward was only 59 when he was diagnosed, and he was such a young man in spirit, with a young family and everything to live for.

“He felt really strongly about doing Shine to try and make a difference to research into this type of cancer. It was a really emotional night and the atmosphere was overwhelming.”

Shine participants can choose to walk a full or half marathon night-time route, and decide to fund the area of cancer research closest to their hearts.

It is the third time the event has been held in Manchester and this time participants are being encouraged to illuminate themselves with light on the night, to symbolise bringing hope to the darkness of cancer.

Nelson Laurencia, Cancer Research UK Shine Event Manager, said: “Edward’s family are fantastic ambassadors for Cancer Research UK and the Shine event.“We want more people to join them and help to light up the city on the night of September 8. By entering Shine and pledging to raise money for research, they will be helping to bring light to people affected by cancer.”

Organisers hope 5,000 men and women will take part and and help raise £1 million to support pioneering research.

To enter Shine or to sign up as a volunteer, visit www.shinewalk.org