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Alan Rickman among famous voices featured in pancreatic cancer awareness campaign

Alan Rickman's voice features in a new pancreatic cancer campaign. (Photo by Desiree Navarro/WireImage)
Alan Rickman's voice features in a new pancreatic cancer campaign. (Photo by Desiree Navarro/WireImage)

The voice of the late Alan Rickman is being used in a new charity campaign to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.

The Harry Potter actor died from the disease in 2016 aged 69, although his diagnosis was only made public after his death.

Rickman's distinctive tones feature alongside the voices of Sir John Hurt and Patrick Swayze, who both died from the disease, in the video appeal from Pancreatic Cancer UK.

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The campaign entitled ‘Lost Voices: Help us break through the silence’ uses clips from the stars’ work and interviews to highlight the importance of research into pancreatic cancer as November marks Pancreatic Awareness Month.

The charity has said there is currently "too little funding" into the illness.

Also featured are the voices of actor Roger Lloyd-Pack, former Apple chief executive Steve Jobs and singer Aretha Franklin, who were all diagnosed with pancreatic cancer prior to their deaths.

According to a recent survey of 2,000 people across the UK conducted by ComRes, only 8% of the public knew the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

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The symptoms of the disease can include back pain, unexplained weight loss and a difference in bowel habits.

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Rima Horton, Rickman’s widow and trustee for Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “It’s hard to put into words just how truly horrific pancreatic cancer is and I think that’s a significant part of why it’s been neglected – why in 40 years we’ve seen barely any improvement in someone’s chances of survival.

“The sheer creativity at the heart of Lost Voices would have excited Alan, and I’m so pleased that he is part of it.

Aretha Franklin, who died in 2018, is also featured in the video campaign. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, file)
Aretha Franklin, who died in 2018, is also featured in the video campaign. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, file)

“The message he and the other wonderfully talented individuals we’ve lost to pancreatic cancer have for the public is urgent.

“Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer, but finding a cure isn’t a lost cause.

“With more research I know that a breakthrough will be made that will help save thousands of lives.”

With additional reporting by PA.

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