In August 2006, aged 51, Chris Venn a prominent freelance production manager, working for many of the high profile communications and production companies of the last 25 years, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. There is currently is no long-term cure for this type of cancer, because the level of research funding in to this specific area is relatively poor. Sadly, after 13 months, Chris lost his battle in September last year, the same year that another industry colleague, freelance logistics manager Howard Kerr, was diagnosed with the same disease.
As Howard nears the 12-month mark since his diagnosis, he and his industry colleagues have begun to put together a campaign plan to raise money to create an on-going research grant and increase the awareness of this much-neglected disease.
The first event is an 87 mile walk, which participants aim to complete in only three days (18-20 April), over the Ridgeway, between Ivinghoe Beacon, near Tring, Hertfordshire, to Overton Hill near Avebury, Wiltshire - walk normally undertaken over a period of six days.
Over the past few days a number of additional friends and colleagues have committed to joining the walk, including Chris Venn's wife, Wanda, who works as a choreographer/live action director for public events, such as the opening and closing ceremonies for Manchester Commonwealth Games, the Athens Olympics and the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. Many others have committed to providing the very necessary vehicle and logistical support for those walking and Land Rover and Gallowglass are sponsors.
Anyone wishing to support the event or to make a donation to the fund is asked to take a look at the website below for more information.
(Lee Baldock)
