WALES’ cancer charity, Tenovus, is nominated as one of the mayor of Torfaen’s charities of the year after he was inspired by one of his neighbours.

Cllr Philip Seabourne became aware of the charity’s work through his neighbour, Clementina Cortani, who was the first person to be treated on the Tenovus mobile cancer support unit when it opened in 2009.

Ms Cortani was treated on the unit for colon cancer, describing the service as “better than sliced bread”.

The Mayor’s Appeal Fund for 2011/2012 will help to secure the mobile unit’s presence in Cwmbran and Nantgarw, where it has provided more than 2,000 treatments to date, reducing the stress patients experience when having to travel long distances to receive treatment.

The unit travels to communities across Wales and has received more than 7,000 visitors across the country. It provides cancer treatment but also hosts health awareness days, touchscreen health checks, telemedicine and a dedicated cancer support adviser.

For more information visit www.tenovus.org.uk