A VETERAN campaigner for Albania is organising her final “goodbye” appeal for the country, raising money for equipment for patients with terminal cancer.

Primrose Peacock, from Truro, who herself has cancer, says that the Thunderbox appeal to buy commodes for terminally ill patients who are living in their homes in rural Albania will be her last effort.

Miss Peacock formed Friends of Albania (FOA) in 1991. It was a voluntary membership organisation that supported a wide range of work, including funding hospitals, palliative care, a veterinary centre, and a care-home garden, as the country emerged from its communist regime.

When FOA wound down in 2011, Miss Peacock began supporting Albania Community Assist, a British-based charity that was carrying out humanitarian work.

Miss Peacock, now aged 80, had her cancer diagnosed three years ago. “I am receiving excellent free NHS care,” she said. “My health is declining, with arthritis and diabetes also causing problems. It is time to stop.

“Thunderbox is a goodbye project, and it is beginning to receive good support. During 21 visits to Albania, I became very aware of the extent of both real poverty and sad, terrified cancer cases there, and I offer more than a grateful nod to the NHS.”

Miss Peacock’s humanitarian work has not gone unrecognised. In March 2012, she was awarded the Bishop of Truro’s Cross of St Piran for her lifelong involvement with church and charity work.