Macmillan Cancer Support has today launched a TV advert for its Christmas appeal featuring the actor and author Lynda Bellingham, a long-standing ambassador for charity who died from bowel cancer in October.

The advert is narrated by Bellingham, who encourages people to remember loved ones who have died of cancer and donate to Macmillan to help ensure no one faces cancer alone, especially at Christmas.

People affected by cancer are shown in their homes at Christmas each reciting a line of the nursery rhyme Twinkle, Twinkle.

Viewers are asked to support Macmillan by calling or texting to donate £5. Donors will be sent a star-shaped photo frame ornament as a thanks for their support.

Macmillan said Bellingham, who was well known as the ‘Oxo mum’ in the long-running series of TV ads, recorded the voiceover before she died from colon cancer on 19 October, aged 66, and her family gave permission for the advert to be aired as planned.

Simon Philips, director of fundraising at Macmillan, said: “We are extremely grateful to Lynda and her family for their long standing support.

“We believe that Lynda’s legacy lives on through this advert and will help many more people affected by cancer this Christmas and in the future.

“There are currently two million people living with cancer in the UK with this figure set to double by 2030. We want to thank everyone who donates to Macmillan this Christmas and helps us to raise vital funds to support the people who need us.”

Her husband Michael Pattemore said: “Lynda wanted to help other people who have been affected by cancer. She would be happy to know that her legacy continues through this Macmillan advert, especially at Christmas which was her favourite time of year.

“Lynda had a Macmillan nurse throughout her treatment which was a great comfort and support for us all at such a difficult time and we are extremely grateful for this.”

The advert will run until 17 December nationwide.