Abbotswood Pharmacy in Yate, Bristol, has won the 2019 Pancreatic Cancer Action (PCA) Turn it Purple Pharmacy of the Year Award.

From November 25-30, the independent pharmacy used both PCA’s Turn it Purple pack and numerous purple items of their own, such as banners, bunting, clothing and wigs, to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer within their community.

The team also held a bake sale, raising £88 for PCA, and set up a stand at the local Christmas fair, using a photo booth and various props to educate members of the public and local councillor Claire Young about the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer. 

The Abbotswood team that while they did not expect to win the PCA award, “we are most delighted that we met our goal, which is to stimulate a lot of conversation about pancreatic cancer in our community".

"It goes to show the important role community pharmacy can play in information dissemination, creating awareness and health promotion,” they added

Pancreatic Cancer Action was “truly amazed by the reaction of pharmacies” to the Turn It Purple campaign this year, with thousands of pharmacy employees taking part.