This Tuesday, 12th May, is International Nurses Day, and 2015 marks 40 years since the very first Macmillan nurse was appointed.

Macmillan nurses help people affected by cancer, their families and carers make informed decisions about treatment, and guide them through the maze of different services. They also offer emotional support and help people with cancer deal with their symptoms and pain. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Macmillan nurses in Epsom, past and present, for their much-needed work in helping to ensure that no-one faces cancer alone.

Since putting in place our first nurse Macmillan’s role has grown and we now also provide advice and financial help to people affected by cancer through our support line, as well as working with partners to improve cancer services.

Any of your readers interested in sponsoring a Macmillan nurse can do so at macmillan.org.uk/nurse.

Gwyneth Tyler

General manager

Macmillan Cancer Support