Doctor with incurable cancer overwhelmed by support for fundraiser

Aban Dasgupta urges people to watch out for the symptoms of the cancer and seek help from their GP

A doctor with incurable cancer said he found support for a fundraising walk he organised "overwhelming".

Aban Dasgupta, 51, is a geriatrician at the James Paget Hospital at Gorleston-on-sea, Norfolk, and has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

He said he was using the walk through Gorleston to raise awareness of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer and that it can affect younger people.

About £500 was raised for Ward 12, for over 65s, which is where he works.

Aban Dasgupta said he found the support "overwhelming" and more than he expected

Dr Dasgupta said pancreatic cancer was seen as an illness that predominately affected elderly patients.

"But it's a misnomer that it only happens in older people - now more people like me, aged 51, are getting the cancer," he said.

He was using his diagnosis to raise awareness of the symptoms, having already raised £1,200 for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

The doctor said: "They can be any subtle tummy pain, yellow colour of eyes, change of colour of urine - don't hesitate to contact your GP.

"I don't want to frighten anyone, you'd be surprised how quick a diagnosis can be made and treatment."

What is pancreatic cancer?

• Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that's found anywhere in the pancreas

• The pancreas is an organ in the top part of your tummy

• It helps you digest your food and makes hormones, such as insulin

• How serious pancreatic cancer is depends on where it is in the pancreas, how big it is, if it has spread and your general health

Source: NHS

Colleagues joined Dr Dasgupta on the fundraising walk through Gorleston

Dr Dasgupta's cancer was diagnosed too late for an operation, but he will be starting chemotherapy in February.

Colleagues joined him on Saturday's fundraising walk in Gorleston.

He said the money raised would be used for "basics" for Ward 12, including "a water filter, water coolers and good chairs for families to sit on when visiting as they can often be elderly themselves".

"I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been able to make today a very successful day for me," he added.

"I did not expect this to be so overwhelming and I wanted to thank each and everyone."