A CANCER charity has praised a ward at Bishop Auckland Hospital for providing outstanding care and support to people affected by lymphoma.

The Mara Unit won a beacon of hope award at the Lymphoma Association’s annual awards ceremony earlier this month.

The ceremony took place during Lymphatic Cancer Awareness Week, between September 15 and 21, which aims to raise awareness of lymphoma, the UK’s fifth most common cancer and most prevalent type of blood cancer.

Symptoms include a painless lump or swelling, often in the neck, armpit or groin, feeling worn out for no reason, being drenched in sweat during the night and persistent itching.

The ward was nominated by Les Vollans, a former patient at the ward.

His citation said: “I passionately feel the Mara Unit need recognition for the amazing work they do, and the most friendly and understanding way in which they do it.”

Charity chief executive Jonathan Pearce, said: “We specialise in giving reliable medical information and appropriate support to anyone affected by lymphoma, and the beacon of hope awards are a chance for us to say thank-you to people like the dedicated team at the Mara Unit who make a difference.”