PATIENTS in Southampton are sharing their inspirational and heartbreaking stories in their battle against cancer in a series of highly-charged emotional films.

People will lay bare the trials and tribulations of their illness, its deep impact of their loved ones as part of a Christmas health campaign.

Cancer Research is today revealing their stories as part of a major fundraising and awareness drive in their fight to combat the illness.

The Right Now campaign highlights the personal impact of cancer with a series of ground-breaking television adverts featuring real people filmed in a documentary style in hospital.

Filming took place at Southampton General Hospital and at the Leeds Cancer Centre, St Bartholomew’s Hospital London and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute.

The project - which also features radio adverts and poster campaigns - uses observational footage to capture raw, honest and touching moments and weave them in with testimonies from nurses, doctors and researchers.

Figures show around 130 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South East every day.

The new campaign aims to convince people that small actions taken today will really make a difference to beat cancer sooner.

Helen Johnstone, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South East, said: “Our Right Now campaign is a mosaic of cancer experiences which shine a light on the reality taking place, every day, across the region and the UK.

“We hope the campaign will break down the idea of ‘beating cancer’, so it feels much more tangible and people can see how the actions they can take today can make a difference.

“People in our region hear the words ‘you have cancer’ every day. It’s life-changing for them, for their families and friends and for everyone who cares about them. Our campaign shows that research is working. But sadly, for some, time is so much shorter than it should be.

“That’s why our doctors, nurses and scientists are striving every day to find better, more effective and kinder ways to treat this devastating disease. We want people to watch the adverts and feel compelled to act - right now - to help more people survive.”

She urged people get involved in fundraising campaigns to boost research looking into preventing, diagnosing and treating the disease.

She added: “There are so many ways to get involved. From taking part in Dryathlon in January, signing up now for Race for Life at events across the South East or giving time to volunteer in our shops. The key is to commit right now and to help shape a better future for everyone diagnosed with cancer.”