TWO nurses who help to support people with cancer in York have spoken about their work ahead of the Macmillan Charity Raceday.

The racing event will return to York Racecourse on June 17 with the aim of raising £500,000 for the national cancer charity.

Around 75 per cent of cancer staff across The York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust are Macmillan professionals - roles which have received funding from Macmillan.

Among them is Julie Dale, who has told of how the team help people at the end of their lives, even organising weddings at the last minute.

Julie, a Macmillan specialist palliative care team leader, at York said: “For patients nearing the end of their life, we aim to make sure we do all we can to support them within the acute hospital setting. This may include helping to organise weddings at very short notice, bringing pets into the hospital. Most importantly we strive to ensure individual preferences are met as people reach the end of their life.

“Recently, Macmillan has provided funding to enable the team to work seven days a week. This has really helped patients and families as there has been consistent, specialist support available to patients and families and the staff delivering palliative care on the wards.”

The Trust, which includes hospitals in York and Scarborough, sees more than 4,000 people a year who are newly diagnosed with cancer.

Jackie Frazer, Macmillan lead cancer nurse at the trust, said: “From a patient’s point of view, Macmillan is a trusted brand and when they see the title it is reassuring for them.”

Macmillan Charity Raceday features seven races alongside charity lunches, auctions, raffles and collections

To buy tickets for the event visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk