At the end of Dying Matters Week I visited the brilliant Macmillan cancer information centre at Leicester’s Royal Infirmary. Cancer can have such a devastating impact on families here in Leicester. Having somewhere people can turn to for support, advice or just someone to listen, at such a difficult time in their lives is essential. The partnership between Macmillan and LRI is so important and I am pleased to have visited the Macmillan information and support centre. The centre is a lifeline for local people and I was overwhelmed by the dedication of the nurses and healthcare professionals who support people living with cancer and their families.

I also met with Jane and Georgina who took me around the oncology and haematology wards. They have both worked for the NHS for over 30 years!