The chief executive of Cancer Support Suffolk, Mark Murphy, has sent a get well message to The King after the news that he is being treated for the condition.

Mr Murphy, who was awarded the MBE for his contribution to local radio in Suffolk in 2020, took over the helm of the charity last year - and oversaw its relaunch just last week.

Ipswich Star: Cancer Support Suffolk was relaunched last weekCancer Support Suffolk was relaunched last week (Image: Cancer Support Suffolk)

He said: "The news about The King's cancer diagnosis has come as a shock to all of us but it’s something one in two of us will encounter ourselves.

"All of us at Cancer Support Suffolk wish His Majesty a speedy recovery and send our best wishes to him and the Royal family.

"With cancer the most important thing is to get an early diagnosis. Survival rates are improving all the time and treatments are much more targeted than ever before.

"The fact The King has made his diagnosis public is a good thing. It means we’re all talking about cancer and that can only be good. The more we talk about it the better.

"Sadly, in Suffolk 25% of us don’t attend our screening appointments and that really must change.

"Hopefully with the King going public more of us will look out for the signs in our own bodies. We all know our own bodies and if something isn’t right then go to your GP."

Ipswich Star: Cancer Support Suffolk logoCancer Support Suffolk logo (Image: Cancer Support Suffolk)

The charity was founded as Cancer Campaign in Suffolk in 1998 and raised money to develop and equip the John le Vay  information centre at the Woolverstone Unit at Ipswich Hospital.

It now also has a centre in the heart of Ipswich, in the historic building opposite the entrance to Christchurch Park.

Last week it was formally relaunched with a new name which reflects its work in helping those with cancer and their families as well as campaigning to improve awareness and encouraging more people to attend screening they may be invited to.