AN art teacher who made a promise to her mother to keep raising awareness of pancreatic cancer is holding an exhibition at Colchester Hospital.

Claire Gillen, of Greenstead Road, Colchester, became a voice of Pancreatic Cancer UK after she lost her mother, Brenda Fulcher, and grandfather to the disease.

The art teacher at Hylands School in Chelmsford is now dedicated to raising awareness and highlighting the lack of funding for research into the disease.

She is holding an exhibition at Colchester General Hospital from now until November at the Constable Gallery in the Constable Wing.

Mrs Gillen said: “I am concerned for my family as there may be a genetic link, but there is little research into this area in order for me to support my family in the future.

“My relatives were misdiagnosed initially which wasted precious time for treatment.

Pancreatic cancer is known as the ‘silent cancer’ and is often far too late to treat.

“I feel it is my duty to campaign and raise awareness of this vile and dreadful disease in memory of my mum and grandfather, and having exhibitions in healthcare settings is a perfect way for me to support the charity, with profits from sales of my work going to Pancreatic Cancer UK.”

Mrs Gillen held an exhibition at the hospital in 2012 which raised more than £300 for the charity.

She also had many calls from hospital patients, staff and relatives seeking support and advice.

She wishes to highlight how people can get support from Pancreatic Cancer UK.

She said: “The charity was so supportive when my mum was poorly, offering a support line 0808 8010707 which is manned by specially trained nurses.

“They also have a website which offers information regarding fundraising to questions about treatments.”

To support the cause anyone can visit the latest exhibition and if any interest is taken in the artwork, a third of the cost goes to charity.

Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death, with the lowest survival rate of four per cent.

To find out more about the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, visit the Pancreatic Cancer UK website or email clairegillen@live.co.uk