A Basingstoke charity has won a national award for its campaign to raise awareness of a "cancer killer hiding in plain sight".

Heartburn Cancer UK won the Small Charity, Big Achiever award at the Third Sector Awards for its #DemandingHope campaign.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of oesophageal cancer, which is the UK's 14th most common cancer and the seventh most deadly.

The disease is the fourth biggest cancer killer among men.

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Heartburn Cancer UK won the Small Charity, Big Achiever award (Image: Heartburn Cancer UK) The charity's campaign aims to raise awareness of the need for early detection and calls for greater use of simple, life-saving diagnostic tests like the capsule sponge.

In celebration of the charity’s 20th anniversary, Heartburn Cancer UK launched a major nationwide campaign, including a high-profile media push titled Cancer Killer Hiding in Plain Sight.

The campaign highlighted the urgency of early testing and even included a targeted initiative in London offering free diagnostic tests to hospitality workers and taxi drivers, two groups at higher risk due to their work environments.

The programme saw 250 per cent more interest than expected and detected twice as many pre-cancers as usual.

The #DemandingHope campaign reached more than 4.15 million online readers.

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Fiona Labrooy, chief operating officer at Heartburn Cancer UK, said: "Winning this award is a testament to the dedication of our team, volunteers, and supporters.

"Together, we’re turning hope into action, #demanding hope, demanding change and working towards a future where heartburn-related cancer is no longer a silent threat."

Mimi McCord, Heartburn Cancer UK founder and chair, added: "It is with immense pride that Heartburn Cancer UK received the Third Sector Award Small Charity - Big Achiever.

"We are a small but incredibly dedicated team focusing on raising awareness to try and ensure an early diagnosis of oesophageal cancer.

"Awareness of symptoms, heartburn in particular, might have saved my 47-year-old husband's life, he died nine weeks after diagnosis, we strive to prevent this from happening to others.

"Small Charity – Big Achiever really does say it all."

The charity remains dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of oesophageal cancer, ensuring more people understand the risks of persistent heartburn and how early diagnosis can save lives.

To learn more visit heartburncanceruk.org.