Vicky Clement-Jones Award

Vicky Clement-Jones founded Cancerbackup in 1985. After her diagnosis of inoperable ovarian cancer, Vicky was given only three months to live. In fact, she survived for five years – long enough to establish Cancerbackup and be assured of its success.  Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008 to provide the best cancer information for everyone.

The Vicky Clement-Jones award is for volunteers who have, or have had, cancer themselves, and make a significant difference to the lives of people with cancer. 

Example of a successful nomination

Q: Please describe the volunteering activities the nominee, or group, has been involved with.  Please indicate the length of time and level of commitment for each.

A: Sarah began volunteering at the Macmillan Information and Support Centre six months after receiving treatment for cancer herself. Even though she works full time, Sarah gives up her days off, and sometimes her holidays, to come into the centre and support others who are affected by cancer. 

Q: How has the nominee, or group, gone ‘above and beyond’ what we might hope for from any volunteer? We need to understand why they stand out from others involved in similar volunteering roles.

A: Sarah has such an understanding of how it feels to live with cancer, and is happy to share her own experiences with both the media and visitors to the centre. Her open nature, along with her warm and friendly personality, mean that people affected by cancer leave the centre feeling like someone really understands what they’re going through. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add to support your nomination?

A: It’s not untrue to say that without the support of Sarah, we would not have been able to offer support to over 500 people who have visited the centre since we opened. She is one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met.