Windmill shining purple for a week

Today is world pancreatic cancer day – and to show Fylde’s support the windmill on Lytham Green will be bathed in a purple glow for not one - but seven nights.

Buildings across the country will be illuminated for one night, but after it was initially said that Fylde’s iconic structure would follow suit, it has now been confirmed that it will be lit up for a week.

Jerry Coughlan from Ansdell, diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer in January this year, asked Fylde Council to involve Lytham Windmill.

He said: “We’re really pleased with the decision to light up the windmill for the longer term.

“It will help highlight the condition and ask people to reflect on how it may impact them.”

The ‘Turn It Purple’ campaign calls for businesses and individuals to highlight pancreatic cancer in the UK by embracing purple – the symbolic colour for pancreatic cancer – by shining purple lights on buildings or other structures in their community, wearing purple and spreading awareness for supporters to wear something purple at the office, at home or at school and to donate to fund life-saving research.

More than 9,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year.

Fylde MP Mark Menzies called for the week-long illumination. He said: “We are delighted to be raising awareness of this dreadful disease by taking part in the Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer campaign. We hope that by lighting up Lytham Windmill in purple, we will help put a spotlight on a disease that many people still know so very little about.”

Coun Cheryl Little, chairman of the Tourism and Leisure Committee for Fylde Council said: “Each year, iconic landmarks and venues across the world have joined the fight against pancreatic cancer.

“By illuminating landmarks or buildings, they have helped put a bright spotlight on the disease during November, which is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. I am truly happy to be able to facilitate on behalf of Fylde Council by illuminating our iconic windmill”.