A cancer support nurse at Ipswich Hospital has been thanked live on air by the people whose lives she has impacted.

Ipswich Star: Rachel Alexander.Rachel Alexander.

Rachel Alexander, Macmillan skin cancer nurse specialist, was surprised by patients, colleagues and television presenter Dr Hilary Jones at the Salthouse Harbour Hotel in Ipswich last week.

Macmillan is one of three charities that has been chosen for ITV’s Text Santa campaign this year.

As well as receiving one third of the money raised, ITV has also been showcasing the work that Macmillan does during daytime programmes and regional news.

Mrs Alexander had been filming a short feature with ITV about the work she does at the hospital when she was asked to meet the Macmillan team last Tuesday morning at the hotel to discuss further media opportunities.

However, she was actually met by around 15 people who wanted to thank Mrs Alexander for her hard work and dedication which she gives day after day. She was also handed a voucher for a spa trip at Clarice House, provided by ITV.

The 42-year-old, who has been in her current role for five years, said: “I just felt really quite humbled.

“You do the job because it’s part of what you do on an every day basis, you don’t do it for big thanks yous.

“To realise what you do is important to people and to see that they benefit from it is highly rewarding.”

Mrs Alexander, who lives in Ipswich and has three children and one grandchild, has worked in oncology for 21 years.

Liz Alleston, programme lead for Text Santa, said: “We thought she really deserved it because of the feedback from patients and colleagues.

“She’s made a big difference to people affected by cancer in the Ipswich area.”