York's Oscar-winning actress, Dame Judi Dench, has become a new patron of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
The decision follows the death of her husband, actor Michael Williams, who died of lung cancer this year.
Dame Judi said: "I hope that by offering my support to the Foundation I can play a part, however small, in finding a cure for this devastating disease.
"The survival rate for lung cancer has not improved since the 1950s and still 40,000 people are diagnosed with the disease every year in Britain alone.
"The death of my husband Michael earlier this year has brought home the need for more intensive research like that carried out by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and for providing improved support and treatment for those suffering."
Updated: 11:16 Wednesday, April 25, 2001
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article