My name is Holly McDade, and I am launching a fundraising campaign for Guts UK Charity in loving memory of my father, Ian McDade, who passed away on April 24, 2024.

Dad suffered from Necrotizing Pancreatitis: A severe form of acute pancreatitis where tissue dies and the pancreas becomes permanently damaged by inflammation. it is incredibly difficult to diagnose. In the UK, the average GP practice sees less than one new case per year.

Pancreatitis in general is inflammation of the pancreas, causing severe upper abdominal pain (often radiating to the back), nausea, vomiting, and fever. Acute cases last about a week, while chronic cases cause permanent damage. Primarily caused by gallstones or heavy alcohol use, it is treated in hospital with IV fluids, pain relief, and sometimes surgery.

There are varying types

• Acute Pancreatitis: Around 30,000 to 50,000 people are diagnosed annually, with incidence rising. It is often caused by gallstones or alcohol.

• Chronic Pancreatitis: 6,000–12,000 new diagnoses per year. It is strongly associated with alcohol (70–80% of cases).

• Mortality & Severity: Most acute cases (80%) are mild. However, in severe cases (about 20–25%), mortality can be up to 25%.

• Demographics: While it can affect any age, it is more common in middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Our family’s goal is to ensure that other families don't have to face the same uncertainty we did. If Dad’s condition had been caught earlier, there might have been a chance to prolong his life or, at the very least, provide him with the dignity and comfort he deserved in his final days. No one should have to leave this world in such discomfort.

Dad was a lifelong Bristol Rovers supporter, a regular in the Tote End since the early 70s. We spent decades following "The Gas" across the country—from cold away days to the heights of Wembley Stadium and our regular home at the Memorial Stadium.

In recent years, Dad made sure I was back in the stands regularly, mostly so I could keep an eye on him in the East Terrace! To honour his memory, I wanted to combine our shared love for football with a challenge that brings much-needed awareness to digestive diseases.

The Challenge: "FULL KIT WALKERS"

I am proud to introduce the Full Kit Walkers challenge. I will be summiting as many UK mountains, peaks, and hills as possible.

The catch? I’ll be doing it in full Bristol Rovers kit—shirt, shorts, and socks and all weathers.

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