A mum from Balloch who fought an aggressive type of cancer which has notoriously low survival rates has told how she feels "blessed" to be still alive.

Julie McBride suffered from pancreatic cancer 10 years ago and says she was saved because doctors rushed her into hospital for emergency surgery as soon the cancer was diagnosed.

She said: "I found out on a Friday and had surgery on the Tuesday."

Julie has played a leading role in Pancreatic Awareness Month which provided information about the disease, its symptoms and treatment.

As part of the campaign, Julie, husband Andrew and daughter Lily had an information stall at Balloch Co-op which raised £425 for Pancreatic Cancer Scotland (PCS).

This week, Julie, 45, said: "The people of Balloch were absolutely fantastic with their support.

"It was quite an emotional day, with people coming up and telling me they had lost loved ones to the disease."

"I am very blessed to be here."

Eight-year-old Lily has also been actively involved by taking information about pancreatic cancer to Balloch Primary School where she is a pupil.

Julie said: "Lily knows all about me having cancer and is very keen to help as much as she can."

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As part of the awareness campaign, two local landmarks - Lomond Galleries in Alexandria and the Titan Crane in Clydebank - have been bathed in purple light.

Julie said: “I’ll do anything I can to raise awareness of a cancer which has low survival rates.

"I know I’m one of the lucky ones.”

Fiona Brown, PCS development manager, told the Reporter: "Julie has long been an inspiration to all of us and it was great to see her raising awareness of the disease at the information a stall."

Fiona, who lost her mum to pancreatic cancer in 2003, said the purple lights initiative helps raise much needed awareness of the disease.