A BRAVE dad who is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer has issued a rallying cry to the people of Dorset to join him in backing Stand Up To Cancer.

James Doherty will be the face of this year’s campaign by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 alongside his wife Tracey, daughter Shannon and son Daniel.

And he’s urging everyone to show their support and help transform the lives of cancer patients and their families.

James, who works in IT in Bournemouth, knows from personal experience just how crucial new discoveries and breakthroughs are to help people like him survive.

The 44-year-old from Verwood was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2015 and is currently having chemotherapy.

He said: "I had been vomiting every day for six weeks and was getting worse but the GP wasn’t sure what it was, so I went for tests and scans. I had to be rushed into hospital twice in a matter of days.

"I had suspected it might be cancer but it was still a shock when they actually said it. And even though I had thought it, you still hope it’s not that."

James, who had chemotherapy just before Christmas last year and is currently having more, added: "I have responded to it, which doesn’t happen in every case, but I know I have an uncertain future.

"Sadly, too many lives are still cut short by this devastating disease. That’s why I’m calling on everyone to join me and Stand Up To Cancer.

"We need to fight back by raising money so that research can be translated into treatments for patients faster."

Tracey added: "We are all so keen to help raise awareness and Shannon even did some fundraising at school too. James is doing all he can and we have been getting amazing support from family and friends."

Launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has already raised more than £25million to fund translational research, which takes developments in the lab and transforms them into brand new tests and treatments for cancer patients.

This year’s campaign culminates on Friday 21 October with a night of live TV on Channel 4 led by the brightest stars in film, TV and music.

The charity is urging people to sign up for their free fundraising pack which includes everything supporters need to spark creative ideas and help beat cancer sooner.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Dorset, said: "We are calling on everyone in Dorset to join James and his family and unite with people across the UK to stand up to this terrible disease."

People across the county can also show their support for the campaign in style as a fun range of clothing and accessories for men, women and children is available online at standuptocancer.org.uk