A Macmillan nurse from Truro has been presented with a certificate and gift to mark her retirement after more than 24 years service.

Eve Thorp, a Macmillan clinical nurse specialist in palliative care at Royal Cornwall Hospital's NHS Trust, underwent nurse training more than 40 years ago and previously worked as a ward sister before taking on her current role in May 1991.

Eve said: "When I first came into post it was just me and an occupational therapist – although we were very well supported by the Cornwall Community Macmillan service.

"Our team has now expanded to three Macmillan nurses, in addition to the occupational therapist, a consultant and wider discharge team members. We have a number of patients we see regularly; people who are struggling with pain or other difficult ongoing symptoms, or people that have worries relating to the disease itself or the diagnosis. It’s also very much about giving them emotional support. It’s a privilege to support the patient and their family through a difficult time. I find it immensely rewarding to be able to help people, just knowing you can make a difference to them at that time."

She added: "There are a number of things I’m proud of; I started the palliative care link-nurse role within 18 months of starting in post, to encourage the promotion of palliative care issues within each clinical area. This has developed further over the years and I undertook my MSc dissertation studying the day to day experiences for the link-nurse role, the realities and the challenges within an acute hospital setting."

Eve concludes: "It was a wonderful surprise to receive the certificate of long service and beautiful solid glass paperweight acknowledging my achievements, not to mention the flowers.

"The work we’re doing makes you see that our lives are very precious in a way that I now feel I’m ready to take a step back and enjoy retirement."

Eve still plans to keep her association with Macmillan through the Macmillan alumni, and intends to become a volunteer for The Cove Macmillan Support Centre once the build is complete next year.

RCHT divisional/lead cancer nurse Kathryn Radcliffe paid homage to Eve, saying: "We will all really miss Eve, who quietly supports staff (particularly more junior nurses and doctors), patients and relatives, always just at the right time and in just the right way. She has so much experience and knowledge that she was always willing to share with others. We all wish her a very long and happy retirement and look forward to her returning to help as a volunteer in The Cove."

To support Macmillan's work in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, go to www.macmillan.org.uk/thecove or text COVE50 £5 to 70070 to donate £5 to the appeal.