This October, Irish hotelier Niall Rochford, General Manager of Ashford Castle, will take on an extraordinary challenge — walking 250 kilometres from Cork to Cong — in memory of his late wife, Stella, who passed away from pancreatic cancer just eight weeks after her diagnosis. The Cork2Cong Challenge, beginning on 28 October, aims to raise awareness and funds for Pancreatic Cancer Ireland, a charity Niall co-founded earlier this year.

The 12-day route will retrace key moments in Stella’s life. Starting at Honan Chapel at University College Cork, where Stella studied, the journey continues through Limerick, Clare and Galway before concluding on 8 November in Cong, Co. Mayo, where Stella is laid to rest. Along the way, Niall is encouraging people across Ireland to join him or take their own ‘Steps for Action’ in solidarity.

Sporting legends Katie Taylor and David O’Leary have lent their voices to support the campaign, sharing messages that can be viewed on pancreaticcancerireland.ie and on Instagram at @pancreaticcancerireland.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, affecting more than 600 people in Ireland each year. Tragically, five out of six patients die within a year of diagnosis. Early detection is essential for improving survival rates — yet symptoms often appear late or can be mistaken for other conditions.

Niall’s goal, shared by Pancreatic Cancer Ireland, is to raise funds for research, education and the development of a rapid diagnosis centre. “This walk is deeply personal to me,” he said. “We need greater awareness and faster diagnosis of this devastating disease. Every act of support — whether a donation or simply sharing the message — brings us closer to change.”

At Digestive Cancers Europe (DiCE), we stand with Niall and Pancreatic Cancer Ireland in calling for earlier diagnosis, equitable access to care, and stronger public awareness across Europe. Initiatives like Cork2Cong show how personal determination and community action can drive lasting change.

To support the campaign or follow Niall’s journey, visit www.pancreaticcancerireland.ie/cork2cong or follow the hashtags #Cork2Cong and #EveryStepCounts.

Author:

Pamela Deasy