Sussex cancer campaigner praises King Charles for openness

Cancer charities have praised the King for being open about his diagnosis

A cancer campaigner has described King Charles III as "incredibly brave" for being open about his diagnosis.

Jan Sheward, the founder of the charity Cancer United, based in Angmering, West Sussex, said it was an "incredibly generous thing to share the news with the world".

Ms Sheward was awarded the British Empire Medal in this year's New Year's Honours List for her work.

She said that "all cancer charities will applaud the King".

Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that King Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, but did not specify what type or how advanced the disease was.

Ms Sheward added: "A cancer diagnosis is not an easy thing to cope with.

"That's why a lot of people don't say anything."

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Prayers are being held for the King at Chichester Cathedral.

Interim Dean of Chichester, The Reverend Canon Simon Holland, said: "We offer our heartfelt prayers for His Majesty The King following the news of his cancer diagnosis.

"We invite you to join us at the cathedral for our daily services where we will include the King and his family in our prayers, or to find a quiet space to light a candle."

'Get checked out'

Keith Law, from Wadhurst, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015.

He has now been given the all-clear and praised the King for talking openly about his cancer.

He said: "The more high-profile people that can bring cancer to people's attention the better.

"I am urging men of a certain age to get themselves checked out."

Although King Charles' cancer was discovered during his treatment for an enlarged prostate, the Palace said it was not prostate cancer.

Reaction from MPs

Sussex MPs have taken to X to send their best wishes to the King.

Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, wrote: "Our prayers are with His Majesty the King, whose thoughts as always are on duty and the well-being of his people even during these worrying times."

Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Downs, wrote: "My thoughts are with His Majesty and his family. I wish him a swift recovery."

And Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, said: "May HRH King Charles have a swift recovery and get well soon"

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