Swindon councillor Fionuala Foley praised the Evening Advertiser for our continued coverage of the Swindon Cancer Appeal's progress.

The Conservative ward member for Old Town and Lawn told how her father and cousin both lost their battle against cancer.

The disease's first victim was her father Danny Foley who died from cancer of the oesophagus in 1995, at the age of 76.

Her second loss came two years ago when her 32-year-old cousin, Danny McCarthy, died from testicular cancer on Boxing Day.

Coun Foley said: "I think the appeal is brilliant not just because of all the money that is being raised but also because it promotes what good work is being done in Swindon.

"People commented to me after the story about my Dad went in.

"So many people are affected by cancer and I think the stories in the Advertiser help people learn more about it and what help there is in town."

"When my father was told he needed a major operation to remove his oesophagus he took it all in his stride.

"He was the sort to think if that's what you've got to do, then that's what you've got to do'".

Mr Foley died only a few weeks later on April 4. Coun Foley was to face more heartache a few years later.

Two years after he got married, her Irish cousin Danny underwent an operation to remove a cancerous testicle. But the cancer subsequently spread to his lungs and brain.

Coun Foley said: "Danny's cancer should have been so curable. Now I'm not ashamed or embarrassed to tell people to check themselves regularly.

"They don't have Macmillan nurses in Ireland which is such a great shame. We don't realise in England how lucky we are to have such a great facility like Macmillan nurses and Prospect."