Elizabeth Bailey took part in a day of action to rally MPs to support the charity’s new campaign, ‘Shoulder to Shoulder Against Cancer’. As part of day, Elizabeth met her MP, Gavin Shuker, and delivered a speech to MPs during the reception.

Elizabeth said: “As a cancer survivor, I have first-hand experience of the wonderful work of the dedicated NHS staff who are on the frontline fighting cancer. I have also personally experienced the impact of the staff shortage on the NHS, including cancelled appointments.

“As the health service reaches its 70^th birthday it’s facing unprecedented challenges. Too many people’s lives are already cut short by this devastating disease, so it’s vital that the NHS is fit to deliver the best possible care for patients now and in the future.

“That’s why I’m backing Cancer Research UK’s call to stand shoulder to shoulder with the NHS against cancer – more cancer staff will save lives.”

Thank you to everyone who attended our reception today, especially our fantastic speakers: our host @Rehman_Chishti, Simon Stevens @NHSEngland, our Ambassador Elizabeth Bailey and our CEO, Sir Harpal Kumar #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/R1NgyiUSep

— CRUK Policy (@CRUK_Policy) June 6, 2018

The campaign encourages everyone to stand shoulder to shoulder with the NHS by calling on the UK Government to tackle the chronic shortage of staff who diagnose and treat the disease.

For 70 years the NHS has been at the forefront of fighting cancer, but with a growing and ageing population cancer services are struggling to cope with the increased number of diagnoses.

This means more staff are urgently needed to keep up with the demand for life-saving tests and treatments, yet already 1 in 10 NHS diagnostic posts are unfilled.

In the East of England, 33,600 people are diagnosed with cancer every year * and this number is set to rise.

Shaun Walsh, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns, at Cancer Research UK, said: “People affected by cancer are at the heart of what we do. We’re so grateful to Elizabeth for sharing her own experience, and I was personally moved by her taking such a negative experience in her life and turning it into a positive. “

To take action visit cruk.org/shouldertoshoulder or join the conversation on Twitter #ShouldertoShoulder.

*All cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) annual average 33, 6000 in the East England Region.