"In 2009, I saw a newspaper article about a new Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre that was looking for volunteers. I thought that it would be just right for me. Because I've been through cancer myself, I find that I can really empathise with people as I've had a lot of the same concerns.
"I do a little bit of everything; meeting and greeting people who come in, directing them to the right source of information or signposting them in the right direction for support if I can do so.
"I also do a lot of application forms for people, for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The PIP forms are horrendous and it’s just one less thing for people to worry about. Probably about 25% of the people we see are looking for advice and help with financial issues, such as getting the benefits to which they are entitled."
"Volunteering for Macmillan has really made a difference to my life. The best thing for me is giving other people with cancer something that I didn't have. I get a huge amount of satisfaction from being able to do something to help people, doing something positive in a negative situation. It has also really helped me to get my confidence back after my treatment.
"I get a lot of satisfaction from my role and I felt very honoured to receive an award given for helping people. For someone to take the time to put me forward meant an awful lot.
"I can't imagine a world without Macmillan – not if I have anything to do with it, anyway."
