Orla Beckett
My Story
In November 2024, the wonderful Carol Poole passed away from neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer, and left a gaping hole in our lives - where there had previously been brightness, bustling, laughter, and naughty mid-walk sips of homemade sloe gin, there was suddenly silence.
And it was sudden, with just months between diagnosis and her untimely death following a sudden deterioration. I didn't get the chance to say goodbye. I never had the chance to reiterate to her just how grateful I was for her nearly three decades of support and love. I never had the chance to praise her for her patience and creativity, to say thank you for being my mums best friend and supporting her. I wish I could thank her again for the amazing chocolate guinness cake she made for my wedding the summer before - I'd never seen guests go so feral over dessert before.
Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer. It’s tough to diagnose, tough to treat, tough to research and tough to survive. But, Pancreatic Cancer UK has a vision to change that, with dedicated research teams developing early detection strategies and treatments, and specialist nurses providing care and support to those affected. Pancreatic Cancer UK is already changing lives, and their advancing research is already making a positive difference.
So, in April 2026, I will be running for Carol, to make a difference to other people affected by pancreatic cancer, in honour of someone who was so dedicated to championing and caring for others.
This is my first ever standalone marathon, and will require a huge training commitment on my part. If you'd like to follow my training, use the link below for updates!:
https://www.instagram.com/orlakaterunsarace?igsh=bzM3c3czdGVtbDVz&utm_source=qr
If you'd like to find out more about the work that Pancreatic Cancer UK carries out, please click to link below!:
