The 2023 Thanks to You Awards are an opportunity to say a huge and well-deserved thank you, and to celebrate the outstanding contributions of those who give their time, energy and experience to Macmillan and people affected by cancer.
The 2023 Thanks to You Awards celebrate the achievements of some extraordinary people and say thank you to those who give their time, energy and experience to Macmillan and people affected by cancer.
The annual volunteer awards had a brief pause but they’re back as the Thanks to You Awards. There are three new award categories which support the Macmillan values and the awards reflect the different ways people support Macmillan.
The award categories
The with Heart award
The with Strength award
The with Ambition award
The Lived Experience award
The Outstanding Supporter award
The Young Macmillan award.
There is also the Douglas Macmillan Volunteer of the Year Award, which is selected by our panel of judges from all of the nominations made. And the Lifetime Achievement Award given to an individual whose support of Macmillan over the years has made a considerable
We received over 170 nominations during the month of November of some extraordinary individuals. They are whittled down to a shortlist from which our judging panel will choose the winners.
Award ceremony
The Thanks to You Awards ceremony took place on Thursday 1 June in Birmingham. All of the awards finalists were invited to attend.
Our awards reflect the Macmillan Values, as well as reflecting the specific ways people give their time, either through volunteering, by being a supporter, or as someone with their own lived experience of cancer. There are seven categories:
With Heart Award
This award recognises individuals who have put their whole heart into their role, by being compassionate, and always seeing the real person.
Ameena Muflihi is the winner of the With Heart award from the Thanks to You Awards 2023.
With Strength Award
This award is for those individuals who show strength in everything they do, who are courageous and who give it all they have got.
Brian Herman is the winner of the With Strength award from the Thanks to You Awards 2023.
With Ambition Award
This award is for those who have gone beyond and always strive for better.
Jo Millar is the winner of the With Ambition award from the Thanks to You Awards 2023.
Lived Experience Award
This award is for people with lived experience of cancer, who shape and support what we do in many different ways. They generously give up their time to share their experiences with Macmillan and make a huge difference to Macmillan and those living with cancer.
Fiona Stevenson is the winner of the Lived Experience award from the Thanks to You Awards 2023.
Outstanding Supporter Award
This award is for those who have taken their initiative to do something to help. From organising fundraising activities, taking on an incredible challenge, raising awareness, or doing something outstanding for their community.
This award is for an individual or group of people below the age of 18 at the time of nomination. It could be anything from caring for people, gaining significant press coverage or social media activity, entrepreneurial fundraising initiatives, or inspiring others.
Jake Skinner is the winner of the Young Macmillan Award from the Thanks to You Awards 2023.
The Douglas Macmillan Volunteer of the Year Award
This award is selected by our panel of judges from all of the nominations that we receive. The panel will be looking for someone who:
brings the three Macmillan Values to everything they do
makes a significant and outstanding commitment to help people with cancer
demonstrates a passion and dedication to Macmillan and deserves recognition as the overall volunteer/s of the year.
Sarifa Patel is the winner of the Douglas Macmillan Volunteer of the Year from the Thanks to You Awards 2023.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a support who has brought their experience, expertise and time to Macmillan in a number of different ways over several years.
Camilla, Countess of Halifax, is the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Thanks to You Awards 2023.
We’re delighted to share the list of finalists for the Thanks to You Awards. There are 36 finalists across six categories and we also have the Douglas Macmillan Volunteer of the Year Award, which is selected by our panel of judges from all of the nominations made.
The winners will be announced on Thursday 1 June, we’d like to say a huge congratulations and the biggest thanks to all our finalists for all their outstanding contributions.
With Heart Award
Victor De Giorgio
After receiving support from Macmillan that he describes as second-to-none, Victor (pictured left) wanted to make sure other people with cancer could experience it too. In 2021, he joined the Macmillan Horizon Centre in Brighton as an information and support volunteer, and he quickly became an indispensable and uplifting part of their service.
As well as using his compassion and emotional intelligence to assess people’s needs and provide a listening ear within the centre, he also provides support in the local haematology day unit and haematology ward. On top of this, Victor co-founded and co-facilitates a cancer support group for men which provides a safe space for them to open up and share their feelings.
‘When I talk to the people I support, I remember the anxiety that I experienced during my own cancer journey, and I know how they are feeling,’ says Victor. ‘I got the support I needed, and I want to pass that on to others.
Richard Martin
After losing his father and sister to cancer, Richard (pictured right) was determined to do something to support families in similar situations. Since then, he’s thrown himself into volunteering for Macmillan as a collections volunteer and an Action Team Lead, and he also takes on fundraising challenges himself. He combines his love of walking and his love of fundraising to great effect with Macmillan’s Mighty Hikes, and he’s planning to complete his tenth event this year.
When the pandemic put a stop to fundraising events, Richard didn’t allow it to put an end to his volunteering. Instead, he provided a listening ear to people with cancer as a Macmillan telephone buddy. Whether he is cheering at a marathon, collecting at a supermarket or listening on the phone, Richard’s kindness and compassion shine through in all he does.
‘Knowing that I might be able to help people with cancer in some small way is really rewarding,’ says Richard.
Ameena Muflihi
When Ameena (pictured left) and her mother were both diagnosed with lobular breast cancer just one year apart, they supported each other every step of the way. As they sat in waiting rooms during treatment, they chatted to other patients who shared priceless tips and signposted them to services. Because these valuable conversations were always cut short when someone was called to their appointment, Ameena decided to create a cancer support group that gave people the time and space to talk.
As well as launching face-to-face support groups in West Bromwich and Smethwick with the support of Macmillan and the Yemeni Community Association (YCA), Ameena also launched a Facebook group supporting 500 members. On top of this, Ameena is passionate about ensuring cancer support is available to everyone and aims to put cancer champions in all communities and places of worship in her area.
‘I just want to make people's journeys easier,’ says Ameena. ‘If anyone needs me, then I’m here.’
Irene Rennie
After sadly losing her daughter Jennifer to cancer in 2013, Irene (pictured right) wanted to do something to say thank you to Macmillan for the support Jennifer received. As a fanatic baker, Irene hit upon the idea of selling her delicious creations at events around Shropshire in aid of Macmillan. Several years later, and she’s an award-winning charity cake stall holder who flies the flag for Macmillan at car boot sales, carnivals, regattas and community events all year round.
Irene has raised more than £16,000 by whipping up mouth-watering cakes, biscuits, sweets, and her signature fudge, but her support for Macmillan goes way beyond the financial. At her stall Irene offers a listening ear, a warm heart, long arms for a hug, and plenty of tissues. Irene is all about sharing her story, signposting people to local services and putting the ‘fun’ into ‘fundraising’.
‘Macmillan helped my daughter during a very rough journey,’ says Irene. ‘If I can help other people through fundraising and if I can shout about how great Macmillan is from the rooftops, then I’m happy.'
Sara Shah
As the inspirational facilitator of the Jayne Sargent Foundation’s cancer support group in Telford, Sara (pictured left) is passionate about making sure group members receive the friendship and support they need. As well as inviting Macmillan representatives to monthly meetings to raise awareness of the help that’s available, she also goes all out to create a warm sense of community.
From daytrips on canal boats to regular lunches and evenings out, Sara enjoys organising activities that will bring the group moments of joy and togetherness. What’s more, she thinks nothing of rustling up a decadent afternoon tea for anyone who comes along, complete with tea in china cups. Through heartfelt acts like this, Sara helps bring people together who are going through the most challenging of times.
‘Even the little things can make a real difference,’ says Sara. ‘I think we've all got it in us to help others.’
Olwyn Sheldon
Olwyn (pictured right) and her husband Eric had plans to spend their retirement travelling, but everything changed when Eric was diagnosed with bowel cancer and their lives were put on hold. When Eric died three and a half years later, Olwyn felt lost until she began volunteering for Macmillan.
Olwyn now serves as an invaluable fundraiser, a lead Action Team volunteer, and an awesome Macmillan ambassador in Newcastle. Whether it’s giving talks about Macmillan’s work, cheering at the Great North Run or dressing up in a green Santa suit for a bucket collection, she’ll take on anything – and always with a big smile on her face.
‘I've been on the other side of Macmillan’s help as they were there for me when my husband died,’ says Olwyn. ‘I want to make sure other people get that support too. But volunteering is so good for me as well – I feel as if I get more out of it than I give.’
Carol Turansky
When Carol (left) was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, she was offered little outside support and left to soldier on alone. The situation was no better in 2009 when her husband was diagnosed with and, later, passed away from oesophageal cancer.
She subsequently learned of a newly opened Macmillan information and support centre at Southend Hospital and, determined to make sure no one else had to endure similar experiences, she applied to volunteer there. The managers gave intensive training to volunteers so they could offer patients and their families a listening ear and signpost them to support.
When the pandemic put an end to face-to-face volunteering, Carol put her knowledge and skills to great use by becoming a Macmillan telephone buddy. From her very first phone call she has excelled in providing compassionate emotional support to people with cancer.
'People can offload all their worries and fears over the phone,' explains Carol. 'It means the world to be able to offer the kind of help that wasn't available to me or my husband.'
With Strength Award
Julie Bathie
Inspired by a friend who supported Macmillan, Julie (pictured left) decided to do everything she could to help people with cancer too, and she soon became a fundraising powerhouse in Barnsley. She spends every spare moment collecting for Macmillan at supermarkets, picking up donations from funerals, and cheering with her local Action Team. Julie will take on anything for Macmillan, and she’s even been known to get sponsored for making snow angels in a bikini in the depths of winter!
In 2020 Julie went all out and organised her first ball for Macmillan and even persuaded her friend, Strictly Come Dancing star Flavia Cacace, to attend. The glamorous event raised an incredible £10,000 and was such a success that she’s gearing up to do it all over again this year.
‘Fundraising is so important for Macmillan’, says Julie. ‘It’s also a fantastic way to make new friends. It’s great to get yourself out there!’
Brian Herman
Brian (pictured right) first got involved with Macmillan over 20 years ago, when his wife passed away from ovarian cancer. Since then, he has tireless dedicated himself to Macmillan. As well as raising around £60,000 through countless fundraising initiatives over the years including abseils and cake sales, Brian is also a volunteer buddy. He’s always ready to offer a warm smile and a listening ear and to people going through cancer.
If that wasn’t enough, Brian is also an Action Team stalwart and attended over 16 events all over the country last year alone. In his capacity as a lead volunteer, he manages other volunteers and makes sure they all have the best experience.
‘Macmillan was there for my wife, so I’ll do whatever I can for them,’ says Brian. ‘I love what I do because as a volunteer you get to see the absolute best in people and realise that the world is a good place.’
Daphne Kilpatrick
As a steadfast and tenacious Macmillan volunteer since 1998, Daphne (pictured left) has continued to give her all as a fundraiser in the face of numerous personal challenges, including her own cancer diagnosis in 2021.
She was one of the founding members of the County Armagh Fundraising Group but, after the group lost its chairperson and most of its other members five years ago, Daphne stepped into the breach and became Macmillan’s driving force in her area. Despite her own troubles, she has continued to carry out bucket collections and presentations alone. Last year she single-handedly banked almost £35,000 – a figure higher than any other fundraising committee or group in Northern Ireland.
‘Cancer has hit my family badly, and Macmillan has been there for me. Knowing that people are putting money in the collection tin and knowing that it’s going to help others just makes you feel on top of the world.’
Shirley Lenehan
Since her local fundraising committee disbanded due to the pandemic, Shirley (pictured right) stepped in as a Macmillan representative to make sure fundraising collections could still take place in Argyll and The Isles. As well giving her all to fundraising in the area, Shirley also attends wedding shows to promote Macmillan’s wedding favours.
Having experienced cancer herself, Shirley understands the importance of Macmillan’s work first-hand. As a result, she’s passionate about ensuring people in remote communities in the west of Scotland always get the help and support they need.
‘The best thing about what I do is being able to engage with the public in my community, signpost them to Macmillan’s services and offer them a listening ear,’ says Shirley. ‘Volunteering for Macmillan has given me that little bit of confidence to feel like myself again after cancer took away so much from me. As long as I breathe, I will continue to support Macmillan.’
Michelle McCaughley
After cancer led Michelle (pictured left) to take medical retirement from her marketing and communications career where she used her voice for a living, she decided to continue using her voice for Macmillan. Since then, she has played an instrumental role in both the Northern Ireland Cancer Experience Panel and Macmillan’s Campaign Advisory Group, as well as sitting on recruitment panels for senior roles within Macmillan. Michelle has undertaken training in digital storytelling, peer facilitation and last year she supported the philanthropy team in their activities. She also shared her story to phenomenal effect when she launched Macmillan’s Values in front of 1,000 members of staff.
What’s more, Michelle recently organised a fashion show where she walked the catwalk with the doctors and nurses who have supported her. The event raised more than £8,000 for Macmillan, raising awareness about the organisation’s work.
‘Macmillan has been my travel companion on my cancer journey, so this is my way of saying thank you,’ explains Michelle. ‘Volunteering has given me purpose and given me my voice back.’
Judy Scott-Moncrieff
Founded 25 years ago, The Friends of Staffordshire Macmillan Committee is known for putting on a dazzling dinner dance every year to raise money for Macmillan. When Judy joined the committee ten years ago, she used her energy, enthusiasm and wealth of business experience to take the group’s fundraising to the next level.
Since taking on the role of chair five years ago, Judy has guided the committee to raise over £170,000 – a particularly remarkable amount given that only three events took place during this time. When the committee had to cancel their 2020 ball due to the pandemic, Judy immediately contacted all the sponsors and ticketholders and managed to persuade many of them not to take a refund. As a result, she raised £12,000 for an event that never happened!
‘I lost my mother and brother to cancer, so knowing that our fundraising is helping Macmillan to support other people is just wonderful,’ says Judy.
Louise Osgood
Having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and then womb cancer in 2021, Louise understands the challenges of living with the illness only too well. As a Macmillan volunteer, she shows her strength in everything she does and, as well as being an awe-inspiring fundraiser, she’s also extremely open and honest in sharing her story.
In 2022, Louise reached out to a Macmillan-wide audience when she recounted her cancer journey as part of the Macmillan Live event. The aim was to show that there’s a real person behind every cancer diagnosis, and the feedback she received was incredible. Louise has also been a case study to promote local events and has spoken on the radio about Macmillan’s support.
‘Volunteering has allowed me to use what cancer took from me in a positive way,’ says Louise. ‘It has given me the opportunity to share my story to help others, and that is almost like a therapy in itself.'
Sarifa Patel
Like many woman of colour, Sarifa (pictured right) has faced barriers to accessing health and social care and financial support during her cancer journey. Over the years, she has courageously sought to break down these barriers and supported others to do the same.
Being multilingual, Sarifa is always happy to translate cancer information and documents for friends, neighbours and members of her community, and she regularly assists people during appointments. She also campaigns tirelessly to encourage people to speak openly about their cancer experiences, leading by example through sharing her own story as a Macmillan Cancer Voice.
‘Members of my community face a lot of inequality and need peer support – often in their mother tongue,’ says Sarifa. ‘Often, people don’t know how to ask for support, so I try to educate them. We are not hard to reach but easy to ignore, so I want to make sure everybody’s voice is heard.’
With Ambition Award
Tamsin Hollis
Marks & Spencer (M&S) have been the headline partner of Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning for 14 years, and in 2022 they raised an incredible £1.7 million for Macmillan. The largest contribution came from one of the smallest of the company’s 650 stores thanks to the inspirational leadership of its manager, Tamsin Hollis (pictured left).
When Tamsin saw the support that Macmillan provided to a colleague with cancer, she became determined to turn her M&S Foodhall in Shirley, Southampton, into a fundraising powerhouse. She instigated fancy dress days, pub quizzes, and an extremely popular ‘Soak the Manager’ event but, perhaps most impressively, she persuaded 25 courageous colleagues to join her in a sponsored skydive. With her determination, passion and infectious enthusiasm, the sky really is the limit for Tamsin’s fundraising.
‘Cancer touches everyone in some way, so it’s all about paying it forward,’ says Tamsin. ‘I cannot tell you the difference that fundraising makes to staff morale – it really brings people together.’
Duncan Owen-Elmer
When Duncan’s (pictured right) first wife was diagnosed with brain cancer, her Macmillan nurses helped the whole family. After she passed away, Duncan decided to do something to help Macmillan in return. He started holding supermarket collections and soon became known affectionately as Barnsley’s Jolly Green Giant thanks to his curly green wig and his ever-present smile.
In 2018 he took on the challenge of raising £53,000 to help fund a Macmillan nurse for a year. By increasing his collections to five a week come rain or shine, and by organising regularly charity nights at pubs in the area, Duncan worked tirelessly to smash his target in super quick time. And what did he do when he finished? Well, he decided to do it all over again!
‘I felt so happy when I achieved my goal because I knew it would help people to receive the same kind of support that my family got,’ says Duncan.
Liz King
Liz (pictured left) has been a member of the Buckinghamshire South Fundraising Group since 1994. When she took over the reigns as leader in 2014, she introduced modern fundraising methods that supercharged the group’s success and helped secure more than £1 million for Macmillan.
With a background in nursing, hospital management and events management, plus a dynamic and innovative mindset, Liz’s ability to maximise fundraising income to improve Macmillan’s reach knows no bounds. As well as hosting an array of popular events including an annual Holly Ball, Liz has made sure that the group also focus on supporting local people with their fundraising activities.
‘Macmillan is a one-stop shop for cancer support, but that shop has limited opening hours, limited staff, and limited resources,’ says Liz. ‘That’s something that we need to keep building on, and we can do that through fundraising. It’s why we do everything we can to encourage people to make the most of the events they organise for Macmillan.’
Andrew McClarty
Green-fingered Andrew (pictured right) was motivated to volunteer for Macmillan to show his thanks for the support his father received from his Macmillan nurse during his cancer journey. Andrew started off with a small plant sale for Macmillan 24 years ago. The event proved so successful that it has grown to become an annual summer event that’s attended by people from across Northern Ireland. Andrew also holds an annual Christmas sale too and, to date, he has raised more than £175,000 for Macmillan.
On top of this, Andrew partnered with Macmillan’s Move More scheme to create a hugely popular gardening club for people with cancer. The group gather at his greenhouse once a month where he teaches them new skills and encourages them to lose themselves in planting, potting and pruning.
‘While we’re working, we have a chat and a laugh. It brings a tear of happiness to my eye to see everyone so happy,’ says Andrew.
Jo Millar
When Jo Millar (pictured left) couldn’t find a local cancer support group to attend in Bridport after her own diagnosis, she had the idea to create one herself. After meeting fellow patient, the late Jo O’Farrell MBE, the idea really grew legs and, together, they founded The Living Tree. A pioneering community-based self-help and support group for people affected by cancer, The Living Tree offers a diverse range of activities including creative writing, gardening, table tennis, swimming, art and ambling.
With an emphasis on supporting each other through friendship and fun, the group has grown strong roots in its community under Jo’s inclusive and compassionate leadership. Always keen to share her vision of transforming lives through celebrating life itself, she and other members have volunteered to help Macmillan showcase The Living Tree around the country, to help other support groups to get off the ground.
‘There’s something really powerful about spending time with people who understand what you’re going through,’ says Jo. ‘I've met the most incredible people, and I can honestly say that having cancer changed my life in new and wonderful ways.’
Claire Morden
Claire (pictured right) began her volunteering journey in 2011 when she took the initiative to set up the Tamworth and Lichfield Villages Fundraising Group. Driven by a desire to make a difference to people with cancer, the group has gone from strength to strength under her leadership and raised almost £250,000.
Claire consistently seeks out new opportunities for the group to raise funds, and her passion for the cause has inspired others to raise money for Macmillan in the local area too. She hosts bucket collections every weekend and is tenacious in the securing the slots at local businesses by building strong and lasting relationships with their charity champions.
On top of this, Claire organises an annual coffee morning at a local shopping centre, as well as regular teddy tombolas and lucky dips. Claire doesn’t let anything get in the way of her fundraising for Macmillan, and if one door closes, she just looks for another way to get in!
Robbie Newton and Kelly Robinson
Since the launch of Macmillan’s partnership with Travis Perkins in 2015, more than £4.1million has been raised for Macmillan, and Charity Champions Robbie(pictured above to the left) and Kelly (pictured above to the right) have played an integral part in the success. Robbie represents the South West region and, as well as arranging countless events for his colleagues, he also takes on numerous personal challenges himself – generally while wearing a conversation-starting, Macmillan-branded morphsuit!
Robbie didn’t let lockdown get in the way of his fundraising efforts and took on virtual marathons, swims and cycles in his back garden. On top of this, he volunteers as a Macmillan Neighbour, signposting colleagues to cancer support and offering a listening ear.
Kelly only joined Travis Perkins in January 2022, but since then she has absolutely transformed the Midlands region’s fundraising efforts, taking their total from zero to more than £120,000. Through her infectious enthusiasm and sheer determination Kelly has persuaded colleagues, suppliers and customers to take part in everything from canoeing to cycling and shown them what a positive experience fundraising can be.
Louise Osgood
Having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and then womb cancer in 2021, Louise (pictured left) understands the challenges of living with the illness only too well. As a Macmillan volunteer, she shows her strength in everything she does and, as well as being an awe-inspiring fundraiser, she’s also extremely open and honest in sharing her story.
In 2022, Louise reached out to a Macmillan-wide audience when she recounted her cancer journey as part of the Macmillan Live event. The aim was to show that there’s a real person behind every cancer diagnosis, and the feedback she received was incredible. Louise has also been a case study to promote local events and has spoken on the radio about Macmillan’s support.
‘Volunteering has allowed me to use what cancer took from me in a positive way,’ says Louise. ‘It has given me the opportunity to share my story to help others, and that is almost like a therapy in itself.'
Calum Reid
Driven to make something positive from his experience of bowel cancer, Calum (pictured right) became a Macmillan information and support volunteer in 2022, and the impact he’s already made has been phenomenal. Having attended a HOPE (Help to overcome problems effectively) course during his own recovery, he was inspired to train to become a HOPE facilitator himself. On top of this, Calum realised that there was a need for a colorectal cancer support group in Preston, so he decided to start one. The group is now a thriving community offering peer support to anyone who needs it.
What’s more, when Calum identified that local patients lacked awareness of Macmillan grants, he single-handedly mounted a campaign to put things right, designing posters and flyers for his local hospital. As a result, the uptake of Macmillan grants more than trebled.
‘You can’t go back, so I decided to use the experience that I've lived through – good and bad – to try and support others,’ explains Calum.
Lived Experience Award
Joe Boucher
When Joe (pictured left) was struggling with the emotional impact of his cancer diagnosis during the first Covid lockdown, his sister gently nudged him in Macmillan’s direction. He was subsequently paired with a buddy who gave him the opportunity to open up about his feelings – an experience that Joe describes as transformative.
After that, Joe wanted to give other people with cancer the chance to speak about their feelings too, so he became a Macmillan buddy himself. On top of this, he is a Cancer Voice and delivers inspiring induction sessions to new starters at Macmillan and moving talks to corporate partners. Joe’s openness and honesty helps so many people with cancer to recognise that it’s normal to need emotional support, and it’s okay to reach out and get it.
‘I always feel energised after volunteering – it feels good to share my story and provide a listening ear. I think I get more out of it than I give,’ says Joe.
Daniel Crosby
As a young man diagnosed with testicular cancer during the pandemic, Daniel (pictured right) felt lost and his mental health took a hit. But, thanks to the support of his Macmillan nurse and the Macmillan Support Line, he began to feel ready to put his life back together.
When he realised that few men of his age were talking openly and honestly about cancer and mental health, Daniel decided to turn his negative experience into something positive by sharing his story. Since then, he has used his voice to front Macmillan campaigns and advocate for patients by speaking at events. On top of raising awareness, he also raises money by organising a seriously competitive annual moustache growing competition at work.
‘I wanted to give something back to Macmillan because they were there for me when I really needed them,’ says Daniel. ‘Sharing my story has given me a new lease of life.’
James Harle
When James (left) was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just 23 years old, his Macmillan nurse Kate made him feel more at ease throughout his experience. As a result, he decided to join Macmillan as a Cancer Voice and the impact he’s had since then has been phenomenal.
In 2022, James helped to open Macmillan Live, a huge all-staff event, where he shared his story with humour and honesty. He has worked with Macmillan’s Marketing team offering invaluable insight on adverts and campaigns, and he has also helped to co-design and deliver staff induction sessions. One of the things that James is most proud of is representing people with cancer on the recruitment panel for Macmillan’s new Chief Executive.
‘Sometimes when you go through cancer, you can get treated like a number by people who don’t really care,’ says James. ‘But Macmillan does care. They give you the opportunity to reclaim your voice and be heard.’
Sarifa Patel
Like many woman of colour, Sarifa has faced barriers to accessing health and social care and financial support during her cancer journey. Over the years, she has courageously sought to break down these barriers and supported others to do the same.
Being multilingual, Sarifa is always happy to translate cancer information and documents for friends, neighbours and members of her community, and she regularly assists people during appointments. She also campaigns tirelessly to encourage people to speak openly about their cancer experiences, leading by example through sharing her own story as a Macmillan Cancer Voice.
‘Members of my community face a lot of inequality and need peer support – often in their mother tongue,’ says Sarifa. ‘Often, people don’t know how to ask for support, so I try to educate them. We are not hard to reach but easy to ignore, so I want to make sure everybody’s voice is heard.’
Fiona Stevenson
When Fiona (pictured left) was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was told she didn’t need chemotherapy or radiotherapy. As a result of this, she wasn’t classed as ‘cancer free’, which meant she couldn’t get health insurance, life insurance or a mortgage. To add insult to injury, she had to face the indignity of being forced to show her mastectomy scar to medical assessors to claim the benefits she was entitled to.
Since then, Fiona has spent nearly 18 years using her lived experience to campaign for Macmillan. By turning her pain into power, Fiona is dedicated to making sure no one else has to endure the financial and emotional struggles that she has suffered.
‘Nobody should be discriminated against because of a cancer diagnosis,’ she says. ‘Many of the issues I have faced are ongoing for so many people, so we need to continue to chip away and make change happen.’
Paul Vose
While struggling to adjust to a new normal after head and neck cancer treatment, Paul decided to use his experience to improve the lives of others as a Cancer Voice and a volunteer patient mentor. As well as starring in numerous Macmillan campaigns, his story also featured prominently in the BBC coverage of the Great North Run, which he took part in to raise funds for Macmillan.
Since then, Paul has tirelessly advocated for cancer patients, volunteering as a patient representative on boards across Yorkshire, contributing to Macmillan’s grants panel, speaking at events, and supporting his local cancer information and support centre. Driven by a desire to make sure every patient’s voice is heard, Paul is determined to level up cancer care for everyone.
‘I try to represent patients who aren’t having good experiences in the hope that we can make things better for them,’ says Paul. ‘It’s all about giving people hope.'
Outstanding Supporter Award
Dennis Greenslade and Philip Mitchell
Last year, motorsport enthusiasts Dennis (on right in image) and Philip (on left in image) organised their 14th and final classic car rally for Macmillan, the Grand Tour Cape to Cape. The event helped take their fundraising total to an astonishing £1.1 million. In each rally, motorists from across the country (and further afield) took part in gruelling international drives of up to 3,000 miles and got sponsored for doing so.
Dennis co-founded the event with his late wife, Tricia, who passed away from cancer in 2005. When Dennis witnessed the support that Tricia received from her Macmillan nurses, it only strengthened his resolve to raise as much money as possible for the charity.
Organising each tour was a mammoth task and saw both men travelling abroad months before the start of an event to plan the route. Dennis was responsible for navigation duties while Phillip served as the designated driver.
‘It’s been great to combine my love of classic cars with my desire to raise money for Macmillan,’ says Dennis.
Geoffrey Stonebanks
For the past 12 years, Geoff (pictured right) has used his passion for gardening and his amazing planning and organisational skills to raise £110,000 for the Macmillan Horizon Centre in Brighton. After beginning to raise money by opening his own multi-award-winning garden to the public, he went on to set up the annual Macmillan Coastal Garden Trail running from Seaford to Brighton.
As well as inspiring countless other local gardeners to open their up their own plots for Macmillan, Geoff also secured the support of TV gardener Christine Walkden as the trail’s patron. Geoff bakes his own cakes to sell at his open garden events and has so far served an astonishing 9,000 portions and brewed more than 12,000 cuppas.
‘Over the years, so many garden visitors have told me how they or their families have benefitted from the Horizon Centre, and that’s a big driver for me to keep fundraising,’ says Geoff.
Sonia Tudor
When Sonia’s (pictured left) mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2002, her Macmillan nurse became a light in the darkness for the whole family. After her mum sadly died, Sonia was inspired to start fundraising for Macmillan by placing collection tins with local businesses. Over 20 years later, and her fundraising has gone from strength to strength, with her running multiple marathons and tirelessly organising raffles, tombolas and bucket collections.
Sonia is such a familiar face in her local community that she’s simply known as ‘the Macmillan Lady’. As well as being an incredible fundraiser, Sonia also volunteers as an emotional support buddy offering a listening ear to people who are nearing the end of their lives.
‘You don't know about Macmillan’s incredible work until you need them,’ says Sonia. ‘Being able to give something back means the world to me. When I put on my green t-shirt I feel proud as punch’.
Gary McKee
Remembering the devastating day when he was told that his dad had cancer, Gary (pictured right) decided to fundraise for Macmillan to help other people going through similarly difficult times. Since then, he has taken on an immense array of challenges including cycling through Brazil, climbing Kilimanjaro, trekking through New Zealand, jumping out of aeroplanes and walking over hot coals.
2022 marked his most ambitious challenge yet when he decided to run a full marathon every single day of the year. Not only did Gary achieve this awe-inspiring feat and raise more than £1 million pounds for Macmillan along the way, but he also inspired countless people to join him locally, nationally and internationally.
‘The fundraising was important, but I achieved so much more than that,’ explains Gary. ‘I got to show people what you can achieve with a bit of belief. Hundreds of people ran and cycled alongside me, including my children, and that really kept my spirits high.’
Merthyr Tydfil Fundraising Committee
The Merthyr Tydfil Fundraising Committee (pictured left) have played a pivotal role in their local community for 40 years. This passionate, dedicated and hard-working group of 23 women come from all walks of life but pull together as one team to raise both funds for and awareness of Macmillan's services. To date they have raised more than £1.25 million for Macmillan – in addition to raising vital funds for a Macmillan Chemotherapy Unit at Prince Charles Hospital Merthyr Tydfil.
Over the years, the committee has organised major fashion shows, each compered by Jeff Banks and some featuring haute couture from local boy Julien MacDonald. Other highly successful events include summer afternoon teas, quiz nights and an uplifting ladies’ luncheon club, as well as store collections.
‘Our ethos is to provide the best possible Macmillan care for local cancer patents,’ explains committee member, Ann James. ‘We sadly lost three of our members last year, two to cancer, but it has given us even more momentum to keep moving forwards.’
Sarah Barron
For the past eight years, 24-year-old Sarah (pictured right) has created a spectacular Halloween display at the front of her family home in Bramhall to raise money for Macmillan. Each year, people come from far and wide to marvel at the animation student’s ambitious builds and take photos with her exhibits. Last year’s theme was E.T. and featured a remarkable 8ft high by 8ft diameter spaceship.
For Sarah, the Halloween fundraiser is a labour of love that became even more important when she sadly lost her mum to breast cancer in 2020.
‘Macmillan was there for my mum and my family when we really needed them, so I feel honoured to be able to give something back’, she says. ‘And this really is a big family effort. I may be the designer and ideas person, but my dad is the builder, my grandma helps on the night, and my brother is on crowd control!’
Northern Ireland Cancer Experience Panel
Macmillan’s Northern Ireland Cancer Experience Panel (pictured left) formed in 2018 to enrich Macmillan’s knowledge and understanding of the experiences and the needs of people living with cancer. Since then, the panel’s 18 members have used their own cancer journeys along with their considerable life skills and professional expertise to help shape and improve Macmillan’s services.
The panel’s work is as diverse as they are themselves. Not only do panel members act as peer facilitators to get feedback on the experiences of other cancer patients, but they also lobby, campaign, consult and sit on Macmillan recruitment panels.
‘Ultimately, what we want to do is make a smoother path for those people who are coming behind us,’ says panel member Lesley Kerr.
‘Macmillan are very reactive to our insights,’ adds panel member Ray McCrea. ‘Having people with lived experience on board is not a token gesture by any means – it's an entire and complete commitment.’
Daphne Kilpatrick
As a steadfast and tenacious Macmillan volunteer since 1998, Daphne (pictured right) has continued to give her all as a fundraiser in the face of numerous personal challenges, including her own cancer diagnosis in 2021.
She was one of the founding members of the County Armagh Fundraising Group but, after the group lost its chairperson and most of its other members five years ago, Daphne stepped into the breach and became Macmillan’s driving force in her area. Despite her own troubles, she has continued to carry out bucket collections and presentations alone. Last year she single-handedly banked almost £35,000 – a figure higher than any other fundraising committee or group in Northern Ireland.
‘Cancer has hit my family badly, and Macmillan has been there for me. Knowing that people are putting money in the collection tin and knowing that it’s going to help others just makes you feel on top of the world.’
Clare Anderson
When Clare (pictured left) finished treatment for breast cancer, she started to fall apart but, with the support of Macmillan counselling sessions, she began to piece herself back together. When she felt well enough, she found a new mission in helping others by volunteering and fundraising for Macmillan.
Clare decided to rebuild herself physically by taking on a Macmillan trek to the Great Wall of China. Blown away by the experience, she took on 12 challenges in 12 months including trekking the Inca Trail, climbing Ben Nevis and swimming with sharks!
As well as fundraising for Macmillan, Clare is also the founding member of the Blackpool & Fylde Fundraising Group, a member of the Volunteer Forum, and she’s even been a breast cancer buddy.
‘You can’t put your cancer experience in a box and lock it away,’ explains Clare. ‘It's always going to be there, so you have to think about what good you can do with it.
Young Macmillan Award
Jake Skinner
When 15-year-old Jake (pictured left) lost his sister to anaphylactic shock in 2015, her workplace handed back the Christmas lights that she’d used to decorate her desk.
This inspired Jake to light up his family home in her memory every December and raise money for charity at the same time. Macmillan became a cause close to his heart when he lost his nan to cancer and saw the support that it gave her.
Every year Jake’s displays grow more elaborate, and despite his young years he designs and constructs everything himself. Fundraising begins with an official switch on at the end of November where his road fills with eager onlookers and the local Salvation Army band. To date, Jake has raised £15,300 for Macmillan and brought a sleigh load of festive cheer to his community.
‘My aim is to raise £100,000 for Macmillan,’ says Jake. ‘It might sound ambitious but, being 15, I think I’ve got a few more years of this in me yet!’
Siobhan Wilson
Siobhan’s (pictured right in middle) fundraising journey began when she lost her uncle, Donald MacDonald, to cancer in 2015. Aged just 11 at the time, she decided that she wanted to host a coffee morning for Macmillan to say thank you for the support they gave him when he needed it most.
Since then, Siobhan and her parents Kevin and Ellen have hosted an annual coffee morning and launched the Donald MacDonald Memorial Day Fly Fishing Competition to raise money for Macmillan. The competition, which comprises four qualifying heats and a final at fisheries throughout Scotland, requires an enormous amount of planning and organisation, and Siobhan plays a critical role. Thanks to her dedication and commitment, the family have raised a terrific £25,800 for Macmillan.
‘It makes me feel good to know that the money we’re raising is helping support other families who are in the same situation as we were in eight years ago,’ says Siobhan
If you're interested in finding out more about previous Thanks to You Award winners, you read more about them here. Each winner has their own story about what they have done to support Macmillan and people living with cancer, all of which are truly inspirational.
