Kimbolton Castle, set within the grounds of Kimbolton School in Cambridgeshire, was lit up purple for the first time on 20 November to mark World Pancreatic Cancer Day. The illumination formed part of the nationwide, annual Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer campaign, which sees landmarks and homes across the UK and around the world glow purple throughout Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
The initiative at Kimbolton Castle was championed by a former Kimbolton School pupil. Oli Burbage-Hall arranged for the castle to light up in support of a colleague currently undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer and in memory of another colleague who recently died from the disease. Oli, now a charity manager, had been talking to his old school about his plans to complete a running challenge in Greenland in 2026 when he decided to ask if the light up would be possible.
Oli said:
“There is a real sense of helplessness when a dreadful disease like this takes hold of someone you care about. Getting involved in the Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer campaign has allowed me to do something meaningful to put a spotlight on a disease that many people still know so very little about. I was delighted when Kimbolton School agreed to get involved.”
Will Chuter, Headmaster at Kimbolton School, said:
“We were proud to support this important national campaign and to see Kimbolton Castle illuminated in purple for World Pancreatic Cancer Day. It is a striking way to raise awareness of a disease that affects so many families. We are also very pleased to support a former pupil whose efforts to make a difference are truly inspiring to everyone in our community and beyond.”
Nearly 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year and shockingly, less than 7% of those diagnosed will survive beyond five years. The disease currently receives just 3% of UK cancer research funding, despite being the UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer.
Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer is supported by UK-based charities Pancreatic Cancer UK, Pancreatic Cancer Action and Planets.
To find out more about Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer, please visit purplelightsuk.org or e-mail info@purplelights.org.uk
