When diagnosed with a life-changing or terminal illness, many people could be forgiven for giving up.

One lady from Sutton took a very different approach, however, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Ellen Thompson decided she wasn’t going to be defeated and would do all she could to raise awareness of the disease and raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer UK charity.

By focusing on fundraising, she has managed to raise £1,540 so far for the charity.

After going to Nottingham City Hospital with jaundice, she was later diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer.

After six cycles of chemotherapy using a specialist treatment called Folfirinox (used to treat pancreatic cancer that has spread or can’t be removed by surgery), however, her tumour shrunk against all the odds.

That allowed an operation to take place to try to remove the tumour and improve her quality of life.

Ellen was diagnosed at Sherwood Forest Hospitals’ King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, and has been treated by both Nottingham City and King’s Mill hospitals.

Following her treatment at both Sherwood Forest and Nottingham University Hospitals trusts, Ellen said: “I can’t fault the hospital staff at both trusts.

“They have been amazing and they have all provided me with excellent care.

“From ward staff to nurses and support staff, everyone has been brilliant.

“I always asked for honesty with regards to my diagnosis and prognosis and I have always received that from everyone who has been part of my care.

“I appreciate being given this chance by the doctors and for all they have done for me.”

Talking about her fundraising, Ellen added: “When I turned 65 I had a party and made it into a fundraiser.

“I asked everyone to donate rather than give me any gifts. I also asked everyone to wear purple, which is the colour of the charity. We ran a raffle and tombola.

“I started off trying to raise £500, but people have been so generous and we have raised so much. I am grateful for everyone’s support.”

HPB (Hepato-Pancreato-Billary) nurse specialist at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, Ryan Inumerable, who has been part of Ellen’s care team, said: “Ellen has been a true inspiration and has remained positive throughout her treatmen.Her dedication to fundraising has been admirable.”

Ellen is now recovering at home following her operation.

Pictured, back, are Ellen Thompson’s husband, Tony Thompson, her daughter, Linsey Cordon, nurse specialist Ryan Inumerable and staff nurse, Rosina Black. Seated, Ellen Thompson, her granddaughters, Lucy Cordon and Hannah Cordon, and staff nurse Tracey Smith.