Marie Curie awards volunteers at National Volunteer Achievement Awards

TV presenter and former footballer Chris Kamara was amongst the Marie Curie Cancer Care supporters recognised at the charity’s National Volunteer Achievement Awards held at the London Stock Exchange on 2 December 2011.

Chris was presented The Above & Beyond in Memory of Sir Bill Cotton award by Marie Curie Cancer Care Chairman John Varley at the awards ceremony, in recognition of his contribution to the charity. Chris, whose mother was cared for by Marie Curie Nurses, has supported Marie Curie for many years.

Since May 2010, Chris has been a national ambassador for the charity, fronting the Charity of the Season partnership with The Football League in 2010/2011. Chris has devoted a huge amount of his time taking part in interviews, filmings and photoshoots to raise awareness of the charity’s work. He has also helped to raise considerable funds for Marie Curie, including leading a team of 34 in a trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in June 2011, where he recruited a number of other high profile figures. The partnership raised over £358,000 for Marie Curie Cancer during the year.

Volunteers from around the UK received awards at the Volunteer Achievement Awards, which have been established to celebrate the commitment, enthusiasm and personal contribution made by volunteers across the charity and recognise outstanding individuals and group volunteer efforts.

Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Chairman, John Varley said: “Through these awards we pay tribute to our volunteers for the extraordinary support they give, for their loyalty and their sheer hard work. Every year thousands of volunteers choose to give their time freely, making it possible for the charity to continue to raise funds to provide nursing care and support for terminally ill people and their families. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of our volunteers who make an enormous difference to the charity.”

Chris Kamara said: “Marie Curie Nurses cared for my mother at home before she died, so it is a cause very close to my heart. I feel proud to offer my support to help raise much needed funds and awareness about the work that these dedicated nurses carry out in people’s homes across the country every day.”

Marie Curie Cancer Care is currently looking for volunteers to help make its Great Daffodil Appeal 2012 a success. The charity’s got a role for everyone so, whether you've got a couple of hours or a couple of days a week to spare, please get in touch.

Volunteer for the Great Daffodil Appeal