Macmillan Cancer Relief Herefordshire is to launch a £250,000 appeal next Tuesday (February 10) to pay for two Macmillan Nurses, one in palliative care based at St Michael's Hospice and a clinical nurse specialist in oncology.

The charity exists to help people living with cancer, and the support provided by a Macmillan nurse is often as significant an element in a patient's care as the medical treatment.

Masterminding the fundraising is Ron Davies, a name synonymous with the hugely successful Jailbreak.

"People associate me with Jailbreak, but it would never have worked without the people who took part," says Ron.

"This appeal is no different - it is the people who support us who will make the difference."

Ron was appointed Macmillan fundraising manager for Herefordshire in July 2003, and he has already persuaded David Hemmings, Captain of Herefordshire Golf Club, and Councillor Polly Andrews, the Mayor-elect, to adopt the Macmillan Nurses Appeal as their nominated charity for 2004.

Tuesday's launch, supported by Left Bank Village, is set to be attended by the current Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Ursula Attfield.