THE family of a Prestonpans granddad who died less than a month after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have raised thousands of pounds to support research into the disease.

Walter Fairnie died in December at the age of just 60, and wife Janet was stunned by the lack of awareness about the condition.

She has been spurred on to raise money in Walter’s memory, supported by the couple’s family.

And she has handed over cheques worth over £6,000 to Pancratic Cancer Scotland, while more than £2,000 has been raised by her daughter and her friends after they took part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon on behalf of Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Janet said: “As the fifth most common cause of death from cancer in men and women in Scotland, only 3.8 per cent of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will survive past five years, which is terrible.”

She thanked Prestonpans Hearts Supporters Club and Labour Club for supporting her efforts in Walter’s name and keeping his memory alive.

Janet said more fundraising events were planned, including a sponsored slim by Haddington bowler Andy Burt ahead of his taking part in the national championships in Ayr later this month.

Donations can still be made to the half marathon team’s page at justgiving.com/remem ber/420260/Walter-Fairnie