A WORCESTER-based cancer charity has announced that it has a new patron.

Lady Ivar Mountbatten will become a patron of Leukaemia CARE - a national charity based in Blackpole - with immediate effect, alongside the charity's other patron, Gary Lineker.

Tony Gavin, chief executive of the charity, said: "This is excellent news for Leukaemia CARE.

"We have been struck by Lady Ivar's energy and drive and are honoured that she has agreed to support the work of Leukaemia CARE in this way."

Lady Ivar Mountbatten, who lives in Devon, is married with three children.

In addition to her patronage of Leukaemia CARE she is also patron of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

She said: "While caring for my stepfather and watching his death, I learned that positive mind and positive spirit helps us all through these difficult periods. I am very keen to do something to help all of the people who are living through the horrendous process of cancer. I would like to be an asset to Leukaemia CARE by becoming their patron.

"I am very proud to now have an association with such a proactive charity. I am also really impressed with what they achieve and am excited to be part of it."

Leukaemia CARE offers care and support for those patients living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, Hodgkins and the allied blood disorders. For further information on Leukaemia CARE, for both patients, their families and health professionals, call the free 24-hour CARE line on 0800 1696680, or to find out more about becoming a volunteer for the charity, please call 01905 755977 or visit www.leukaemiacare. org.uk. For information on fund-raising for Leukaemia CARE call 0870 7743667 or visit www. run4leukaemia.org.uk