Two volunteers from the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre in Southport have been recognised for their dedication to supporting local people affected by cancer.

Jill Blennarhassett and Pam Walmsley have received prestigious regional volunteer awards from Macmillan Cancer Support for their commitment to the team based on Stanley Street.

Jill Blennarhassett joined the team over four years ago, following the loss of her mother to lung cancer, and now volunteers around three days a week and nothing is ever too much trouble for her.

She received the Sir High Dundas Award, which recognises individuals who make an exceptional, highly innovative and outstanding contribution over a significant period of time, that goes beyond the criteria for the other Macmillan volunteer awards.

Pam Walmsley has supported Macmillan for more than 18 years, during which time she has organized many fundraising events, collections and also promoted the work of the Information and Support Centre.

Pam received the Douglas Macmillan Award, which is given to volunteers who represent and speak up for Macmillan and, in doing so, help raise money, win corporate support or get essential media coverage.

Helen Jones, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service Manager, said: “The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre runs with the invaluable help of all our volunteers. Jill and Pam, along with all our volunteers, are essential to the smooth running of the centre and I’d like to thank them for their unwavering and dedicated assistance over the years in helping us provide emotional and practical support to thousands of people affected by cancer in the local area.”

Jane Melvin, Head of Service for North West England, added: “Macmillan was set up by a volunteer over 100 years ago, and our volunteers are crucial in helping us to ensure that no one has to face cancer alone.

“We wanted to say a well-deserved ‘thank you’ to all the people who give their time to help us. We also wanted to thank Jill and Pam for their incredible dedication and efforts to help people affected by cancer.

“At Macmillan, we have a variety of volunteering roles and we always like to hear from people that might be interested in helping us out, because whether it’s minutes or months, hours or days, whatever time you can give really will matter.”

The Macmillan Cancer and Information Support Service is open Monday to Friday, from 10am until 4pm, except public and bank holidays. No appointment needed – just drop-in. For further information, please call 01704 533024 or email sfccg.macmillancic@nhs.net

If you’re interested in finding out about how to volunteer for Macmillan please visit www.macmillan.org.uk/volunteer, email volunteering@macmillan.org.uk or call 0300 1000 200.