A PANCREATIC cancer survivor from Stourport has been presented with an award for her commitment to helping improve the lives of other people affected by the disease.

Less than seven per cent of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive beyond five years, but 69-year-old Margaret Datson is a rare 12-year survivor.

Margaret runs volunteer information stands across the West Midlands to provide face-to-face support to newly-diagnosed patients and their loved ones.

She also helps to lead the Living With and Beyond patient group, which enables survivors and patients to connect and support each other in a discreet environment.

Over the years, Margaret has shared insights from her own experience as part of Pancreatic Cancer UK’s Patient and Carer Advisory Board, and also volunteers for the charity’s Side by Side service which supports patients before and after surgery.

She was presented with a Pancreatic Cancer UK award by the charity's chief executive Diana Jupp on March 14.

Margaret said: "I feel so humbled to have been nominated for this award and even more humbled to receive it.

"This is a cause that is extremely close to my heart because as well as being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer myself, in 2000, my mum died of the same disease only three months after her diagnosis.

"I feel incredibly lucky to be a 12-year survivor and I am in a privileged position to help other people who are going through the same thing.”

Charity executive Diana Jupp said: "We’re delighted to give this award to such a worthy recipient.

"Margaret’s dedication to supporting people with this incredibly tough cancer is inspirational.

"She selflessly gives so much of her time to help others. She never seeks thanks, and quietly goes above and beyond to help others affected by pancreatic cancer every single day.

"We’re extremely grateful for everything that Margaret has done for the charity over the years.”