A CANCER researcher will take on Mount Everest to help people in Glasgow survive one of the most deadly forms of the disease.

Dana Koludrovic, who works at Cancer Research UK’s Beatson centre, was inspired to attempt the 17,600ft climb to Mount Everest’s basecamp after seeing the importance of treatment to patients battling pancreatic cancer.

She said: “I do not have a direct personal connection with pancreatic cancer, but I have worked in cancer research for eight years now, so I am aware that treatments for pancreatic cancer are a very pressing and important unmet need.”

Dana, originally from Croatia, has set a fundraising target of £10,000, which will help fund a PhD researcher for Pancreatic Cancer Action, a charity which helps fund research into earlier diagnosis of the disease, enabling surgery to be carried out quicker and improve the patients’ chances of survival.

Dana said: “I have been hiking for about three years and have been thinking about the Everest basecamp for a while, so I finally decided to do it.

“As soon as I was committed to do the hike, I decided to do it for Pancreatic Cancer Action because they have a fantastic track record.

“I think fundraising for a charity is a great way to connect with people, raise awareness and share a common goal.”

Annie Whillians, events coordinator at Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “Dana has shown such determination in supporting us as a charity to help change the future of pancreatic cancer.”

Pancreatic cancer is currently the fifth biggest cancer killer in the UK, with a survival rate of under seven percent.

To support Dana’s fundraising effort, or to find out more, visit give.everydayhero.com/uk/everest-basecamp-charity-hike