NEWQUAY’S most iconic building will glow purple as part of a worldwide awareness campaign.

The Huer’s Hut will be lit up to highlight pancreatic cancer on Thursday, November 21.

The event is being staged on World Pancreatic Cancer Day, as part of the annual UK Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer campaign.

Newquay resident Terry Dixon, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 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, people made donations to enable the purple lights campaign to continue in future years. 

Working with Newquay Lions and Newquay Town Council the donations have now been used to purchase lighting so that the Huer’s Hut can be lit up every year in Terry’s memory. The purchase of lighting means that these lights can be used to light the building in different colours for other purposes, subject to necessary permissions.

Landmarks and homes across the UK and globe will light up 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.

Zoe said: “I am so pleased that we are able to give something back to the community and for it to be done in Terry’s memory.

“He would be so proud to leave such a legacy for his adopted and much cherished home of Newquay. I also want to specifically thank Andy Hannan and Jon Goodman who have helped me make this possible and to thank Newquay Lions and Newquay Town Council.

“Being able to light up the Huers Hut purple every November gives me comfort but also knowing that other people will now be able to apply to have the hut lit up in different colours throughout the year is something of which I’m very proud.”

Anyone who would like to take part or find out more about purple lights for pancreatic cancer, visit purplelightsuk.org or email [email protected]