I was diagnosed in March 1990 with breast cancer and had a mastectomy in April the same year, performed by Mr B Hogbin and supported by his Macmillan nurse at the time, Michele Stacey.

The attention was first class. This was in Brighton General Hospital.

In June 1992, I had a second mastectomy, in the Royal Sussex County Hospital, again performed by Mr Hogbin.

This time it was my choice because I was not happy the lumps in my remaining breast were not cancerous. Again, the support was fantastic.

I went to the opening of the Nigel Porter Unit by invitation and observed with great pride the effort all had made for this to have been accomplished.

It was a sad day indeed when Mr Hogbin decided to retire and his presence in the unit was sadly missed.

I am now approaching the age of 75 and consider it extremely fortunate I have had such a marvellous surgeon and Michele Stacey with such expertise.

To close this unit would be criminal. Thank God I do not have to attend any more.

I am sure I would never make it to Haywards Heath and I'm sure I'm not alone.

-Margaret Underhay, The Promenade, Peacehaven