'It is not something to feel guilty about'

Speaking at the Arts Centre as part of the Swindon Festival of Literature, Claire paid tribute to the work of Macmillan nurses.

She said: "They do a wonderful job and become part of the family. They are an extra pair of hands."

The former nurse, who is now president of the Patients' Association, described how she was back to work in two weeks after surgery to remove breast cancer. She said: "I have had a mastectomy. Cancer is not something to feel guilty about. It is a disease, not a battle to be won."

But Claire was less flattering about the state of the National Health Service. "I get into a raging fury about the NHS. We need better nursing. Hospitals are filthy and nurses sloppy with their uniforms. We are turning out nurses who do not know how to deal with hands-on care."

Claire also criticised the Government plan to create foundation hospitals, which will give high performing hospitals more financial freedom.

She said: "I am dead against them. They will suck up all the extra cash and the less posh hospitals will miss out. So it will increase the gap between rich and poor hospitals."

The aim of the Swindon Cancer Appeal is to raise enough money for two new Macmillan nurses for the Great Western Hospital and a specialist consultant in cancer care who will work at the GWH and the Prospect Hospice. Some of the money raised will also go towards a fund for a part-time anaesthetist.

Graziella Campisano, manager of the appeal, said: "It is fabulous to have everyone's support, including household names like Claire Rayner. She is an example of strength to us all and I'm sure a great support to many women affected by breast cancer."

The Swindon Cancer Appeal total now stands at £90,116. This includes £385 from a Replay music event in Stratton and £428 from the collection at Swindon Town Football ground on Saturday.

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