ONE of Newquay’s most iconic building was lit up purple on Thursday to shine a light on a worldwide awareness campaign.
The Huer’s Hut was illuminated in memory of resident Terry Dixon as part of the Purple Lights Campaign to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.
Friends and family met at the hut with Zoe Dixon, Terry’s wife, on World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day.
Terry, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2022, organised for the Huer’s Hut, to be lit up purple for the first time in November 2023.
Despite his ill health Terry gathered there with friends and family to raise awareness of the disease that was going to end his life early.
Sadly, Terry died on January 26, 2024, but his wife Zoe asked that instead of sending flowers to his funeral that people make donations to enable the purple lights campaign to continue in future years.
Working with Newquay Lions and Newquay Town Council the donations were used to purchase lighting so that the Huer’s Hut can be lit up every year in Terry’s memory.
The lights can also be used to light the building in different colours for other purposes, subject to necessary permissions.
Landmarks and homes across the UK and globe were illuminated purple to put a spotlight on pancreatic cancer, a disease that deserves more attention on World Pancreatic Cancer Day and throughout Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month.
Nearly 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year and shockingly, less than seven per cent of those diagnosed will survive beyond five years. The disease currently receives just three per cent of UK cancer research funding, despite being the UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer.
Organised largely by individuals affected by pancreatic cancer, the campaign is not only a means to raise vital awareness but a way to remember loved ones who have sadly died and acknowledge those living with and beyond the disease.
Anyone who would like to take part or find out more about Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer, visit purplelightsuk.org or email [email protected]