Chester Cathedral will be bathed in purple lights from 5pm to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer on November 18.

Venues across the UK are being illuminated as part of Pancreatic Cancer UK’s Purple Lights for Hope campaign.

The cathedral, one of the city’s most-loved landmarks, will join the likes of the Trafalgar Square fountains and Brighton Wheel which were lit since the launch of the campaign last year.

Chester-based health and wellbeing business The Green Pages and businesswoman Ghazala Jabeen are behind the illumination of Chester Cathedral and have organised a lunch and networking event in aid of the charity at Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel on the same day.

Ghazala Jabeen, businesswoman and founder of Mr HMS Pancreatic Cancer Awareness campaign
Ghazala Jabeen, businesswoman and founder of Mr HMS Pancreatic Cancer Awareness campaign

Ghazala tragically lost her husband Harold Martin Swindells to the disease more than a year ago.

His wish was to help make a difference to anyone affected by pancreatic cancer through fundraising and by increasing awareness of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

Ghazala will be sharing her story at the lunch and will be joined by medical herbalist Natalia Kerkham, who will discuss symptoms and how to reduce the risks of cancer.

Importance of recognising symptoms

Ghazala said: "Being aware of the main symptoms means earlier diagnosis.

“Pancreatic cancer took the life of my beloved husband but his wish was to raise awareness to help save other people’s lives and that is why supporting this campaign is so vital.”

The event, which is being sponsored by Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, will take place between 10am and 1pm.

Tickets cost £25 per person and include admission, lunch and refreshments.

Appeal for support

Co-organiser and Green Pages founder Svitlana Bulava added: “I was really moved by the emotional but ultimately inspirational story of Gaz Jabeen and the campaign she runs to make a difference to anyone affected by pancreatic cancer.

“I hope the local community and business owners will get involved and support us by coming along to the lunch.

“We’d really appreciate guests wearing something purple at the event as another way of showing their support.”

For more information, to book tickets or donate raffle prizes, email svitlana@mygreenpages.co.uk.

The Eastgate Clock glowed pink on October 23 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month’s Wear It Pink campaign.