A SUPPORT group for people suffering from head and neck cancer has been launched in Glasgow.

Newly-created Heads UP will offer help and support to people with the disease, described as a "Cinderella" illness, compared to other ­better known and more publicised cancers.

The campaign was launched yesterday at the Calman Cancer Support Centre at Gartnavel Hospital by Radio Clyde DJ Romeo and ­actor Gary Hollywood.

Heads UP co-founder Nelson McFarlane, 54, who lives in Glasgow's West End, was diagnosed with tonsillar cancer in 2011.

The retired father-of-one was working as a senior manager in the NHS at the time and underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

He says he is now on the "slow road to recovery" and wants to give something back to help others going through it.

He said: "Every one of the nurses and the medical staff did everything they could for me.

"But I think a support group to speak to other people who have the disease or are in recovery would have been a good thing.

"I would have liked to have spoken to someone about the effects of the treatment, which are often not very nice.

"When you're going through cancer treatment you spend a lot of time at home and often alone.

"You can become ­isolated and depressed so talking to people can help."

NHS figures last year showed around 16,000 people in the UK are ­diagnosed with head and neck cancer, including mouth, paranasal sinus and salivary gland, ­every year.

Cancer Support Scotland chief executive Colin Graham called for more support for people with head and neck ­cancer and welcomed the creation of Heads UP.

He said: "Cancer Support Scotland has a 30-year history of setting up and supporting groups providing practical and emotional support to people diagnosed with all types of cancer at this critical time in their lives."

The support group is currently setting up a website that will be available at www.heads upscotland.com.

It will also have a ­Facebook page and Twitter account.

Anyone interested in joining the support group should call Cancer Support Scotland on 0141 337 8199 for more information or log on to www.cancersupport scotland.org