25 August 2009
An awards ceremony to celebrate the people who give up their free time to support cancer patients and their families at the Macmillan Butterfly Centre in Epsom Hospital took place last week.
The ceremony marked the long service of 21 volunteers, as well as offering a huge thank you to the whole team of helpers. The volunteers, who have been helping at the centre for at least five years, were each presented with a Macmillan Cancer Support Volunteering Award Bronze Bar. The event was a great success, with an excellent turn out of volunteers and staff from the centre.
One volunteer, Jenny Baker, leads yoga classes for cancer patients and their families. She was at the ceremony to receive her bronze bar and framed certificate. She said: "It was a lovely occasion and I'm very pleased to be involved. I don't think any of us expected awards or a thank you like this, so it was a really nice surprise. And although we're not volunteering just to get awards, it's great to know that we're truly appreciated.
"I love being a volunteer here, and knowing that I am using my skills to benefit people during what can be a very distressing time is a good feeling. I get a huge amount of satisfaction from volunteering here."
Donal Gallagher, Macmillan Development Manager, spoke at the event, he said: "The Macmillan Volunteering Awards are all about celebrating volunteers' achievements. Volunteers are the vital piece in the jigsaw without which Macmillan would not be able to provide the essential holistic support that people living with cancer and their families need.
"Whether they are 'front of house' or providing complementary therapies, the Macmillan Butterfly Centre volunteers all provide a valuable listening ear and warm welcome for those coming to the centre, giving their time and skills and freely and generously."
The Macmillan Butterfly Centre provides information and support to anyone affected by cancer, and those who are worried about the risks of cancer. It offers: a warm welcome and relaxing environment; information on all aspects of cancer; complementary therapies; confidential counselling; local and national information and support for people affected by cancer.
People interested in finding out more about the services offered by the Macmillan Butterfly Centre should visit www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/cancercare or call Teresa Howes on 01372 735 456.
Macmillan Cancer Support Volunteer Awards recognise volunteers who make an exceptional contribution to Macmillan's work to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. For more information, or to make a nomination, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/volunteer.
