A TRAINEE nurse is raising money for research into pancreatic cancer following the unexpected death of her grandfather.

Holly Nicholson, 19, is organising a race night and will be leaping from a plane to raise funds for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.

The lack of knowledge about the cancer and ways of diagnosing it mean that it is a major killer in the UK.

"My granddad had been ill for a couple of weeks," said Holly, who is from Kendal and is training at Edge Hill University, Liverpool. "We didn't know what was wrong until tests showed he had pancreatic cancer.

"Within two weeks of being diagnosed he was dead. It was very unexpected and so came as quite a shock to us. He was only 67.

"Ever since then I have been trying to raise money for research into the disease.

"Forty years ago the survival rate for living for more than five years with pancreatic cancer was three per cent. It is still only that high so many years on.

"The money will help pay for research into the disease and its diagnosis."

Pancreatic Cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death and affects around 9,500 people a year.

It is notoriously difficult to detect in the early stages and is very difficult to treat. This is because the cancer is very aggressive and symptoms do not tend to develop until the disease is at a late stage.

Holly's grandfather, Robert Nicholson, of Kendal, died on August 17 this year and the teenager began her fundraising efforts later that month.

The race night, which will involve people placing bets on simulated horse races, will also include a raffle and a pie and pea supper.

She has already got a number of local companies to donate raffle prizes and is now looking for more, as well as companies to sponsor individual races.

It will take place at Kendal Golf Club on June 23 next year and tickets will cost £10, including the food.

Holly's sky dive will also take place next year, although the exact date is weather dependent. She has raised £600 for this so far.

Speaking of the sky dive, Holly said: "I feel like I have been very ambitious in choosing to do a sky dive, but I am please as it is something I've always wanted to do. I'm just a bit terrified."

To speak to Holly about her fundraising, and to get involved by sponsoring or donating prizes, contact 'Bob Nicks Charity Race Night' on Facebook.