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Volunteers Help ‘Lace Up’ Hundreds of Shoes for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Project
We recently welcomed volunteers to a special Lace Up Morning, where they helped prepare hundreds of shoes and trainers for an art installation designed to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.
The event brought together members of the local community, including people personally affected by pancreatic cancer, a group from Frome Town Rotary Club and artist Caroline Rudge. Caroline is leading the creation of the installation as part of a pancreatic cancer awareness campaign, supported by funding from the Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire Cancer Alliance.
Throughout the morning, volunteers threaded purple ribbon through hundreds of donated shoes and trainers, preparing them for display in a striking art installation that will highlight the impact of pancreatic cancer on families and communities. Each shoe represents one of the lives lost to pancreatic cancer every month, creating a visual reminder of the scale of the disease and the importance of early diagnosis.
The event was led by Caroline Rudge, whose personal connection to pancreatic cancer has inspired the art she will be creating. During the morning, volunteers shared stories and memories of loved ones affected by cancer while working together to start to bring the installation to life.
Karen Creffield, our Managing Partner at the Practice, said "We were delighted to see so many people come along to support this project. There was a wonderful sense of community spirit throughout the morning as volunteers worked side by side, lacing hundreds of shoes and sharing personal stories. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated shoes, gave their time at the lace up morning and to Caroline for helping us create such a meaningful way to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer."
Artist Caroline Rudge added "Every shoe in this installation represents a life and a family affected by pancreatic cancer. Seeing so many people come together to support the project was incredibly moving, and I am grateful to everyone who helped prepare the shoes for the installation."
The completed installation will be displayed at Frome Medical Practice later this year, helping to start conversations about pancreatic cancer, its symptoms and the importance of seeking medical advice when something does not feel right. The project aims to encourage greater awareness of a disease that is often diagnosed at a late stage because symptoms can be difficult to recognise. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can vary for each person, but can include indigestion, tummy pain or back pain, changes to poo, unexplained weight loss, appetite loss, digestion problems, feeling or being sick, blood clots, fatigue and jaundice. If you have any of these symptoms that can’t be explained please seek medical advice.
More information about pancreatic cancer, including more on the signs and symptoms
Published: Aug 20, 2026