FAMILY and friends of a man who died from pancreatic cancer have raised more than £16,500 in his memory.

Walter Fairnie’s wife Janet has, along with family, friends and work colleagues, helped raise the money for charity following the sudden loss of her husband in December 2016.

And Prestonpans Labour Club, which Walter was a member of, has also joined in with recent fundraisers, helping it donate more than £1,400 to Pancreatic Cancer Scotland.

Mattie Edmond, club steward, handed over a cheque for £1,410 to Fiona Brown and Alison Clancy from the charity after they hosted Pancreatic Cancer Scotland following two events on Easter Sunday and a show with the Jersey Beats organised by Pete Barrie with support from the Prestonpans Hearts Supporters Club.

Derek Costello, club convenor, said: “Pancreatic Cancer Scotland is the Labour club’s nominated charity and we will continue to support Walter’s family and friends in their fundraising efforts in memory of Walter, who was a well-loved and respected member of our club.”

Fiona Brown from the charity was delighted to receive the cheque and said the proceeds would go to help raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, which is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the UK as the majority of patients are diagnosed too late for potentially curative surgery.

Walter, who lived in Prestonpans with Janet, was just 60 when he died. He had been diagnosed with the disease only 29 days earlier.

Wife Janet has vowed to continue campaigning to raise funds and awareness in her husband’s memory.

She said: “I cannot thank everyone enough for the support they have given me and my family over the past 18 months.

“Raising awareness of pancreatic cancer is just as important as the fundraising and I would urge everyone to learn and understand the symptoms of this ‘silent cancer’.”

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness months and more information can be found on the charities website www.pancanscot.org.