Local sustainable clearance company, Just Clear, organised a post-Christmas event to honour the nurses and appreciate the heroic work they undertake on 15 January. 

The staff at the Sir William Rous Unit at Kingston Hospital were gifted by Brendan O'Shea, Founder of Just Clear. Lorna Smith, Trust Lead Cancer Nurse Manager, in accepting the gifts and cards, said: "I am grateful to all the guests for valuing the hard work of our amazing teams here at Kingston Hospital, this appreciation gives us a huge boost in what we do for all our patients and their families."  

Distinguished guests included the deputy mayor of Kingston, Cllr Richard Thorpe. The deputy mayor credited Macmillan's nurses and the wider NHS staff. He said: "Staff at Kingston Hospital serve many vulnerable people at some of the most difficult times when faced with cancer, working through holidays and out of hours. They are a credit to public service and making an impact to the lives of those affected by cancer. I also thank Brendan and Just Clear for showcasing our heroes." 

In the background, a diagnosis clinic was being held where nurses were supporting 20 cancer patients who had been given painful information. There was a palpable air of sombreness, and for all the guests this really highlighted the difficult work that the Macmillan nurses undertake. 

Joe Graham, Head of Transformation at Just Clear, said: "We loved working with Macmillan to raise funds for their vital work, this gesture is simply to acknowledge the front-line staff, and bring together different parts of the Kingston community in working towards the common good." 

The children of Coombe Day Nursery melted the hearts of the nurses by sending a package of handmade cards. This was beautiful and emotional for everybody taking part. Relaying how excited the children were to help, Manager Naveena Joshi, Centre Manager said: "We enjoyed making these cards and conveying our gratitude to you." 

Lucy Hill, Relationship Manager – Macmillan commented: '"On behalf of everyone at Macmillan, I want to say a massive thank you to everyone. You help us continue to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer, and reach our goal of being there for everyone, from day one of their diagnosis." 

Following on from the coffee morning organised by Just Clear in September, the local enterprise has been building local networks to support each other as a part of its social responsibility and community cohesion.