Keep up the good work

Many have had first hand experience of the heartache caused by cancer, and all praised the invaluable care provided by Macmillan nurses.

Swindon mayor Stan Pajak has raised hundreds of pounds for Macmillan.

And now he is urging readers to do the same by backing our appeal.

He said: "Everybody will be touched by cancer at some time in their life.

"Macmillan nurses give people such a lot of support during times of crisis.

"They are so important because they don't just help with the physical side of the disease, but give a lot of social support too.

"Cancer has a devastating effect not just on the patients, but also on their families.

"The nurses really come into their own when it comes to personal contact.

"If you are being cared for by Macmillan, you know you are in safe hands."

Coun Pajak has supported Macmillan by taking part in sponsored cycle rides.

He took part in the Wiltshire Cycle Ride three years ago with a friend, Mick Elliot, who had a relative cared for by Macmillan.

Last year he took part in the Castles Mountain Bike Ride for Macmillan.

Coun Pajak also attended Macmillan's World's Biggest Coffee Morning fundraiser at Swindon's Outlet Village last year with television presenter Vanessa Feltz.

Swindon's two MPs have also backed the appeal.

Michael Wills, Labour MP for North Swindon, said: "The work Macmillan does is excellent and invaluable.

"On a daily basis, Macmillan nurses deal with the pain of so many people and help them through the most difficult times.

"It is admirable that the Adver has launched this campaign, in keeping with a long tradition of supporting worthwhile local causes.

"The campaign has all my best wishes."

Julia Drown, Labour MP for South Swindon, said: "I congratulate the Adver on launching this campaign.

"The Government is putting more money into palliative care, but this area is so important that the more we can do to improve services for those who suffer from this dreadful disease the better that will be for the community.

"I have come across the work of Macmillan nurses, and have always admired and appreciated their skill and dedication in caring for people at a very vulnerable time."

Political leaders on the borough council gave their support.

Coun Kevin Small, leader of the ruling Labour group on Swindon Borough Council, knows only too well how cancer can affect the lives of loved ones. In recent years, he has lost a relative and a friend to the disease.

He said: "The Adver should be applauded for its efforts.

"It's very disturbing to watch a loved one wasting away from cancer.

"To have the professional care and support of Macmillan really does make that final time before someone dies that much easier.

"When you are in that situation, you feel very helpless because you are not able to do anything to help a friend or loved one."

Coun Mike Evemy, Liberal Democrat leader on Swindon council, said: "I know of the good work Macmillan does, and have supported the charity for several years. Macmillan's work is very much appreciated by people at a very traumatic time in their life.

"The nurses do a fantastic job of supporting people with cancer. Four in 10 people will get cancer at some time in their life, so it touches nearly everybody.

"I wholeheartedly support the appeal."

Conservative leader Coun Mike Bawden has told the Adver of his battle against prostate cancer, which will be published in the weeks to come.

Commenting on the appeal, he said: "My aunt died of bone cancer in January. The disease had spread into her lungs. She was visited by a Macmillan nurse and it was a great support to both her and the family.

"They come in to prepare people for what's going to happen and help take away fears. I didn't have the care of Macmillan nurses but I am totally supportive of what they do."

The Rt Revd Michael Doe, Bishop of Swindon, said: "There can be few families anywhere which have not at some time found one of their members being diagnosed with cancer, and wondering how they will cope.

"There are, thank God, many medical advances in tackling cancer, and even when it cannot be cured there are ways of supporting the patient, controlling pain, and helping them to die with dignity. Whether in long-term illness or in terminal care, Macmillan nurses do a wonderful job.

"I am very pleased to offer my support to the Advertiser for this new Macmillan Cancer Relief appeal."