Corrie's Hayley backs pancreatic cancer petition campaign

A widow from Scunthorpe is preparing to head to Westminster tomorrow for a debate which she hopes will help in the fight against the disease which killed her husband. Maggie Watts helped raise more than one hundred thousand names on an online petition to force a debate on pancreatic cancer. Her husband Kevin died from the disease five years ago. He was just forty eight. Maggie wants more funding for research.

Last night the nation shed many tears as Coronation street's Hayley Cropper took her life after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.

It has been a controversial storyline because of the character's decision to commit suicide but it has also raised the profile of the disease known as the silent killer.

As a result of the story a widow from Scunthorpe has forged a strong friendship with the actress who plays Hayley - leading to a massive boost in her own bid to force a government debate on the topic.

Maggie's e-petition can be found here.

For advice and information on pancreatic cancer, the following websites are available:

Pancreatic Cancer UK

Pancreatic Cancer Action

Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund

Last night's Coronation Street episode, which culminated in the controversial right to die scene and Hayley Cropper's death, pulled in a peak audience of 10.6 million viewers, an ITV spokeswoman said.

More than 100,000 tweets were sent about the programme, with around 8,000 messages being tweeted every minute towards the end of the episode, she added.

Watch: Hayley Cropper's final Coronation Street scene

If you are in distress or need some support, the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 08457 90 90 90 or click here for their website.

For those in the Republic of Ireland, the number is 1850 60 90 90.

For information on the issues surrounding the on screen death of Hayley Cropper:

For help and support for suicidal thoughts and feelings contact:

The Samaritans online or call 08457 90 90 90

For help and support with issues surrounding pancreatic cancer contact:

Pancreatic Cancer UK

A Scunthorpe widow has become close friends with Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh - because of pancreatic cancer.

Last night millions of TV viewers saw Julie's character Hayley Cropper take her own life after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mum of one Maggie Watts, 45, lost her own husband Kevin through the same illness in 2009.

The pair became friends, after the Coronation Street star gave support to secretary Maggie's on-line petition to Parliament to raise more awareness about pancreatic cancer.

Last month the two women went on a fact-finding mission to the University of Manchester where scientists are working on a two-year study programme funded by the charity Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.