“I myself have had the experience of losing someone to Oesophageal Cancer and so I understand the need to raise awareness of the symptoms of this cancer, which range from difficulty in swallowing to unexpected weight loss.

The work the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) do is vital in raising awareness of this little known cancer. Together oesophageal and stomach cancer are the second most common causes of cancer death after lung cancer, and yet few people know about it.

Early diagnosis is the key to prevention and that is the message the OCF wants to promote in order to raise awareness and ultimately save lives. The work the OCF are doing through raising funds on Lollipop Day and other initiatives, thanks to tireless support from volunteers, is going straight into researching this particularly aggressive cancer, a cause I fully support.

Those between 40 and 45 years of age are particularly at risk from this cancer and its incidence is higher in men who, in particular, need to be more vigilant to ensure they go to their doctor and not take risks with their health.

Lollipop Day takes place on February 26th and 27th 2010 when thousands of volunteers will be selling lollipops to raise funds for the OCF’s work – please support them on the day. Believe me when I say – ‘A little lolly goes a long way!”

Padraig Harrington