SITES in Torfaen turned purple in support of Pancreatic Cancer UK’s Purple Lights for Hope campaign.

An array of famous UK landmarks supported the campaign, and at 4pm yesterday, Blaenavon’s World Heritage town was plunged into a purple hue in support of the campaign that raises awareness of pancreatic cancer.

This year around 46 businesses and landmarks in Blaenavon showed their support. This is the second year the town turned purple to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, which has the lowest survival rate of the 21 most common cancers.

The problems tend to lie in the prognosis of the disease with survival rates in the UK at just four out of every 100 people. with deaths occurring often a matter of days after diagnosis.

Speaking yesterday, the Mayor of Blaenavon, Cllr Gareth Davies, said: “It is inspiring to see so many of the town’s businesses and buildings lit up purple this evening.

“A whole town effort for a great cause. All taking part should be congratulated for their commitment.” Pontypool’s famous Folly Tower also turned purple for the Purple Lights of Hope campaign.

Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds backed Pancreatic Cancer UK’s awareness month.

Along with other MPs, he was joined at an event in Parliament by patients and family members of those affected by pancreatic cancer, as well as specialist nurses and representatives from Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Mr Thomas-Symonds said: It was a pleasure to attend Pancreatic Cancer UK’s event, to learn more about their work.

“One person dies every hour of the disease, and it is predicted that by 2030 pancreatic cancer will overtake breast cancer as the fourth most common cancer killer.

“I know there are many people within my constituency who have been touched by pancreatic cancer.

"We need to do more to improve awareness of the disease, its signs and symptoms, and do more to improve the shockingly low survival rates.” He added: “It’s good to see that various sites Blaenavon are being lit up purple, as well as the Folly Tower.

“I’ll also be attending the service at St Cadoc’s Church in honour of the local people we’ve lost to the disease.”

The service at St Cadoc’s Church, Trevethin, will start at 6pm on Friday, November 13.