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Do you know somebody who makes a difference by caring for, or supporting people affected by cancer?
Volunteer Award nominations open on 1 September and close on 1 December 2012.
Deborah Hutton died from lung cancer in 2005. She wrote What can I do to help?, a book containing 75 practical ideas for family and friends to help their loved ones going through the cancer journey. The book was published under Macmillan’s name, and describes how volunteers can help people affected by cancer.
The Deborah Hutton award is for volunteers who provide practical support and care to people affected by cancer, beyond the expectation of their role.
Q: Please describe the volunteering activities the nominee has been involved with. Please indicate the length of time and level of commitment for each.
A: Martin originally began volunteering as a driver for the hospice in Bury, taking people to and from appointments. However, when Ann Willis, who runs the Macmillan Welfare Rights Service at the hospice, heard that Martin used to be a finance director, she felt that his accountancy skills could be put to good use working for her. Martin now spends half a day a week contacting people who have been diagnosed with cancer and asks if they would like to discuss the financial help they’re entitled to. He has been doing the role for five years.
Q: How has the nominee, or group, gone ‘above and beyond’ what we might hope for from any volunteer? We need to understand why this person stands out from others involved in similar volunteering roles.
A: In a recent newsletter article, Martin said:
'Even after five years, it still amazes me how many people are passed on to us to contact. If Ann’s away for a week, she’ll have 50 referrals waiting for her when she gets back. I’m so pleased to be able to help out. My volunteering is something I really love, and although I can’t explain why that’s so, it’s definitely the case. I’d recommend volunteering to anyone.’
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add to support your nomination?
A: Commenting on Martin, Ann says:
‘Like so many volunteers, Martin has brought life skills, experience and time that professionals don’t always have a chance to offer. He really brings a lot to the team.’
Q: Please describe the volunteering activities that the group has been involved with. Please indicate the length of time and level of commitment for each.
A: This group of corporate volunteers supported a young mum with a terminal cancer diagnosis, by giving her a garden makeover. The group not only cleared the garden, but also funded the makeover themselves.
Q: How has the group gone ‘above and beyond’ what we might hope for from any volunteer? We need to understand why this group stands out from others involved in similar volunteering roles.
A: The patient had a large garden which had become overgrown and untidy, resulting in complaints being made to the local housing association, who had sent her a letter demanding the area be cleared. The garden was overgrown with nettles and weeds, and strewn with items such as sanitary waste and dog waste. Despite reservations on the day from the Macmillan representative regarding health and safety issues, the group completed the task and even refurbished the new, low maintenance area with a garden bench and potted shrubs.
Find out more about our Volunteer Awards.
Twelve corporate volunteers from the Boots head office in Nottingham were presented a Deborah Hutton Award for their role providing practical support locally.