LANDMARKS across the county – including two in Weymouth – will be lit up in purple on various dates throughout November in recognition of those who have died from, or survived, pancreatic cancer.

Planets Cancer Charity has teamed up with other organisations, including Pancreatic Cancer UK, to take part in the Purple Lights for Pancreatic Cancer campaign. Organised by individuals affected by the disease, the campaign is a way to remember loved ones lost to pancreatic cancer, support those living with the disease and raise vital awareness during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place in November.

Sharon Angwin, from Planets Cancer Charity, said: "I am delighted to be raising awareness of this dreadful disease by taking part in the Purple Lights for Pancreatic Cancer campaign. I hope that by lighting up these buildings in purple, we will help put a spotlight on a disease that many people still know so very little about."

The Jubilee Clock and Pavilion theatre in Weymouth will both be lit up, as well as Corfe Castle and Bournemouth Pier.

Around 10,000 people are diagnosed with the illness each year in the UK, but the five-year survival rate is less than 7%, making it the fifth deadliest cancer in the country. Due to late diagnosis, only 10% of patients are eligible for potentially curative surgery, and despite its prevalence, pancreatic cancer receives only 2% of overall cancer research funding.

The average life expectancy upon diagnosis is just four to six months.

Diana Jupp, CEO of Pancreatic Cancer UK says: "Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease that touches thousands of lives across the UK. Every building, landmark and home lit purple during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month helps raise much-needed awareness of the disease. It’s wonderful to see the pancreatic cancer community come together, as part of a global effort, to show their support for everyone living with the disease and remember those who have sadly passed away."

World Pancreatic Cancer Day takes place on Thursday, November 21.

The campaign is calling upon supporters to organise for venues, landmarks, buildings and homes in the UK to light up purple. To take part or to find out more, visit www.purplelightsuk.org.