TODAY is International Nurses Day and 2015 marks 40 years since the very first Macmillan nurse was appointed.

Macmillan nurses help people affected by cancer. They assist their families and carers to 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 Swindon and Wiltshire, past and present, for their much-needed work in helping to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.

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.

For cancer information and support visit macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 00 00.

DAVID CROSBY Macmillan Cancer Support Albert Embankment, London