A DAUGHTER is embarking on a 30K walking challenge to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer after her mum lost her battle to it.

Debbie Fackey, from Newton-le-Willows, has challenged herself to walk 30K this month, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month, to raise vital funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Patricia Susan Lee, commonly known as Susan, was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in September 2016 and passed away on October 16, just over a month later.

Following her death shortly after her 66th birthday, her family have since been campaigning and raising awareness of the cancer within the community, with Debbie’s challenge the latest fundraiser. 

St Helens Star: Debbie and her family have since been raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UKDebbie and her family have since been raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UK (Image: Debbie Fackey)

Debbie, a school cook and a member of the Newton and Earlestown Community Group, said: "After being poorly on and off, she got really bad in August with jaundice and was later diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer which spread to her liver and kidneys.

"The symptoms are things that people would not bat an eyelid at by themselves but together they are key symptoms, things like weight loss, nausea, heart burn, loss of appetite and jaundice all affected my mum but still she wasn’t diagnosed.

St Helens Star: Susan passed away just over a month of her diagnosis Susan passed away just over a month of her diagnosis (Image: Debbie Fackey)

"I think more needs to be done to raise awareness of this killer and doctors need to receive more training to notice the symptoms because research has shown that eight in 10 GPs confuse symptoms with more regular health issues.

"Most people only learn they have it when they go to A&E, by which time the cancer is usually in its final stages.

"An earlier diagnosis would not have saved mum, but it could have given her more time and made it less difficult and painful for her."

Since Susan’s passing, they have raised over £11,000 to date, with hopes of further donations towards Debbie’s challenge.

A special tribute will also take place on Thursday November 17 for World Pancreatic Cancer Day.

The 54-year-old added: "Pancreatic cancer is one of the world’s deadliest cancers. The time is now to join us in raising awareness across the globe.

"The Steve Prescott bridge will be lit purple on that night as part of the #purplelights too."

St Helens Star: Steve Prescott bridge will turn purple on November 17 Steve Prescott bridge will turn purple on November 17 (Image: Debbie Fackey)

To donate to Debbie’s cause, visit the fundraiser's Facebook page here. 

For further information on the Purple Lights for Pancreatic Cancer campaign, visit http:// https://purplelightsuk.org/.