A LEADING cancer campaigner has been appointed to a new Government health group.

Mitzi Blennerhassett has joined the National Pathology Modernisation Group, set up by Health Minister John Hutton to improve the Department of Health's focus on the expansion of pathology services.

Ms Blennerhassett, of Slings-by, has campaigned for improvement of services since she was diagnosed with cancer in 1990.

She has championed the patient perspective through her involvement with the Royal Colleges of Pathologists, General Practioners and Anaesthetists, as well as the National Audit Office, and Mac- millan Cancer Relief, Cancerlink and CancerBacup.

Ms Blennerhassett said: "Patients and carers now have a valid voice. All they have to do is use it."

The Yorkshire Coast and Humber Cancer Network can be contacted on (01482) 806009.