The Sunshine Valley Gazette

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Roley shaves head in touching tribute to colleague

Roley Sykes is shaving his head to support Linda Harrocks and the Pancare Foundation.

RangeCare’s beloved accountant Linda Harrocks is bravely undertaking treatment for Pancreatic Cancer. 

Linda’s diagnosis went undetected until she was rushed to the SCUH emergency room with skyrocketing blood pressure and a suspected stroke.

“I was diagnosed with Ischaemic Stroke in the left side of my brain, causing speech and language issues as well as some paralysis on the right side of my body,” said Linda. 

“The following morning I suffered another serious stroke event - a type of thrombotic storm causing numerous small strokes to break out throughout both sides of my brain. It was one incredible neurologist who had a hunch that there was something more sinister and after 2-3 days of testing it was confirmed that I had Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer that had metastasized to my liver. A grim diagnosis, with an expected life expectancy of 3-6 months if left untreated – and at best up to 12 months with treatment.”

Despite the news, Linda remains positive -  “I am 56 years old and three months down the track from my diagnosis. I’m still here, and I’m still smiling. 

“My challenges ahead of me are real and sometimes a little scary, but the one thing I’ve learnt through all of this is that I’m not alone.”

In a touching tribute, RangeCare’s Financial Controller Roley Sykes is pledging to shave his head and fundraise for the Pancare Foundation. Pancare Foundation is Australia’s not-for-profit Pancreatic Cancer organisation. 

Their purpose is to increase outcomes and provide support to people affected by Pancreatic Cancer and other upper gastrointestinal cancer.

“I am doing this to provide moral support for Linda and prove that we still care and think about her. I also thought this would be a great opportunity to provide support for research into this horrible cancer,” said Roley. 

If you would like to make a donation please visit, https://specialoccasion.gofundraise.com.au/page/Jess-6743735