"Specialist cancer nurses provide invaluable care and support from the point of diagnosis, throughout treatment and after, " said Mr Devane.

BBC: Gordon Brown pledges one-to-one cancer care in England

Ciaran Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said that many cancer patients were crying out for this type of personalised support.

BBC: Cancer survivors need 'recovery package', ministers say

Susanne du Toit's Pieter and John Devane's The Uncertain Time will be among 55 works chosen to be exhibited between 20 June and 15 September.

BBC: BP Portrait Award showcases family ties