I WORKED for the NHS for a number of years and was always extremely proud of the care and dedication of my colleagues on the wards. Then in August this year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and so became the patient.

I was treated in the breast care clinics in Darlington and North Tees, the day surgery unit in Darlington and had radiotherapy in the James Cook unit.

In each department I was treated with the utmost respect, and experienced superb physical and emotional care with a sense of humour helping everything along. I also met some fantastic, truly dedicated staff so, to me, our NHS is and always has been the best. Thank you to all of them.

Sue Biglin, Darlington.