Helping "angels" carry out their vital work

Last year, they provided more than 12,000 hours of care, helping 130 patients.

The nurses look after people of all ages, many with cancer, but they also support people with a range of other conditions.

There were 661 deaths from cancer in Bolton for 2007-08, but fewer than a quarter — 140 — of these patients died at home.

The charity wants to give more people the choice to be in familiar surroundings at the end of their lives.

Marie Curie Cancer Care’s five-year strategy for 2008-13 is to double the number of hours of care it can provide nationally, reaching more people — and Bolton could lead the way if it raises the £200,000 it needs.

One woman who knows all about the vital work of Marie Curie Cancer Care is Enid Ramsden.

Her husband, Ernest, was cared for by former Marie Curie nurse Pam Miller, now retired, while he was suffering from terminal cancer.

She also received invaluable support.

Mr Ramsden died in 1996 at the age of 63 after the bowel cancer he overcame the previous year returned. Thirteen years on from his death, the women are still firm friends.

Mrs Ramsden, aged 72, of Briggs Fold Road, Egerton, said: “I call Pam my angel, because she really was an angel to us.

“She took all the fear away from my husband. He was peaceful and content — Pam made him very comfortable and he felt safe.

“She was a massive support to both of us. She took the fear away from me, too.

“This appeal is so important, I wouldn’t like to think of anyone dying without the comfort my husband had. I urge people to support the campaign and help raise the money needed so that the nurses can reach more people.”

To make a donation, use the form on this page. If you are arranging a fundraising event in aid of the campaign call 01204 537203. We will cover as many events as possible.

To find out more about the campaign visit theboltonnews.co.uk/ mariecurie, or go to mariecurie.org.uk/ bolton or call 0161 255 2809 or 07798 638127.