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Designer Rupert Lycett Green becomes patron for Pancreatic Cancer Action

The former Savile Row tailor lost his wife to the illness.
The former Savile Row tailor lost his wife to the illness. The former Savile Row tailor lost his wife to the illness.

Designer Rupert Lycett Green has become a patron of Pancreatic Cancer Action, five years after losing his wife to the illness.

The former Savile Row tailor and designer was married to Candida Rose Lycett Green, author and daughter of the poet John Betjeman, before she passed away in 2014.

He has supported the charity for many years and his biggest event so far – a 140-mile walk across the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park – raised more than £56,000.

Green, 80, said: “I truly believe that early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is key to improving survival.

“The small charity does a huge amount to help raise awareness, educate medical professionals and fund research.”

“I feel Candida would have been proud of me and I’m pretty sure my children think it’s good,” he added.

Green will help to achieve Pancreatic Cancer Action’s objective – to save lives through early diagnosis – as the current survival rate of the disease is under 7%. The organisation is committed to working towards earlier diagnosis of the disease so that surgery, currently the only cure, is made available.

Founder and CEO Ali Stunt said: “We are delighted to have Rupert on board as one of our Patrons. Since losing his wife Candida to pancreatic cancer in 2014, Rupert has thrown himself into raising the profile of pancreatic cancer and raising funds for Pancreatic Cancer Action!

“It is wonderful to be able to formalise our relationship with Rupert who is very keen to be involved with the charity in any way he can.”

Pancreatic Cancer Action funds research into early diagnosis, provides medical education programmes and launches awareness campaigns.

To find out more, visit www.panact.org.