NIPANC Honoured with Prestigious King's Award for Voluntary Service

NIPANC, Northern Ireland's dedicated pancreatic cancer charity, has been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the United Kingdom.

The prestigious honour, announced today, Saturday 14 November 2026, recognises the extraordinary dedication, commitment and contribution of NIPANC's Board, employees and volunteers, whose efforts have helped transform the charity into a vital source of support for people affected by pancreatic cancer across Northern Ireland.

The announcement also carries a special personal significance for Ivan, as today, Saturday 14 November, marks exactly 15 years since his own pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

With the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer in Northern Ireland at just 6.2% for patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2014, Ivan's long-term survival is remarkable, making the coincidence of these two milestones particularly poignant.

Often described as the MBE for volunteer groups, the King's Award for Voluntary Service recognises exceptional work carried out by volunteers in their communities. The award is equivalent in status to an MBE and represents a significant milestone in NIPANC's development.

Founded by people with personal experience of pancreatic cancer, NIPANC has grown into one of Northern Ireland's most recognisable cancer charities, working to raise awareness of the disease, fund vital research and provide practical and emotional support to patients and their families.

From major fundraising initiatives and awareness campaigns to community events, patient support and research partnerships, volunteers have been at the heart of the charity's achievements.

A Proud Moment for NIPANC

Welcoming the announcement, Ivan McMinn MBE, Chair of NIPANC, described the award as an extraordinary honour for everyone associated with the charity.

"This is just incredible news. You know, for a volunteer-led charity to be awarded something as special as the King's Award for Voluntary Service, I can't tell you how much that means to all of us on the Board."

Ivan said the recognition reflected the remarkable development of NIPANC and the difference it continues to make to those facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

"I think it's a fitting testament for a charity that has evolved into one of Northern Ireland's best-known charities, out there every day being with folks and families that have been impacted by pancreatic cancer."

For Ivan, the timing of the announcement is particularly significant. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on 14 November 2011, he is marking 15 years since receiving news that would change his life.

His experience is a reminder of the importance of earlier diagnosis, improved treatments and continued investment in pancreatic cancer research, all central to NIPANC's mission.

It also gives this national recognition a deeply personal dimension, coming on an anniversary that holds such significance for Ivan and those close to him.

Recognising the People Behind the Charity

For Susan McLaughlin, Executive Director of NIPANC, the award also carries a deeply personal significance, recognising the dedication of everyone who has contributed to the charity's journey, including those who are sadly no longer with us.

"And I think for everyone involved in NIPANC, and not just the families and the patients that we support, but I suppose as well, in memory of everybody who's no longer with us, it really shows the commitment and the dedication that they have all put in."

Susan paid particular tribute to the volunteers whose generosity, compassion and determination have helped NIPANC grow and develop its services.

"So on behalf of both the Board and myself and the team, we want to say a massive thank you to all of our volunteers, because without you we would not be standing here with this wonderful award. So thank you."

Making a Difference Across Northern Ireland

NIPANC's mission is built around three core objectives: raising awareness of pancreatic cancer, funding research into earlier diagnosis and improved treatments, and supporting patients and families throughout their journey.

The charity's work includes its dedicated Pancreatic Cancer Support Nurse, family support services, access to counselling and its Making Memories initiative, alongside investment in innovative research and public awareness campaigns.

Its growing programme of volunteer-supported fundraising activities, including Pedal The Periphery and Loop The Lough, has brought communities together from across Northern Ireland, raising vital funds while increasing awareness of a disease that remains one of the most challenging cancers to diagnose and treat.

The King's Award for Voluntary Service recognises not only the scale of this work but, above all, the people who make it possible.

For NIPANC, the award is a celebration of every volunteer who has given their time, energy, skills and compassion to help others, and a tribute to the patients, families and loved ones whose experiences continue to inspire the charity's work.

It is also an encouragement to continue building on that commitment, ensuring that people affected by pancreatic cancer across Northern Ireland know they do not have to face their journey alone.

NIPANC extends its heartfelt thanks to its Board, employees, volunteers, supporters and community partners, past and present, whose dedication, compassion and commitment have made this remarkable achievement possible.

This prestigious recognition is a tribute to everyone who has played a part in NIPANC's journey and to those whose memory continues to inspire everything we do.