Award for volunteer Paula

The charity’s annual Flame of Hope Awards acknowledge remarkable efforts in fundraising and volunteering made by people from all walks of life.

Paula Foord, 66, was named a Cancer Research UK Honorary Fellow in celebration of unflinching loyalty and dedication shown to the cause over many years.

She picked up the accolade on Friday June 6 at a special ceremony in London hosted by Cancer Research UK’s chairman, Michael Pragnell.

An audience at the Hotel Russell in Russell Square heard how Paula has shown exceptional dedication to Cancer Research UK for 30 years after joining the Battle Branch of Cancer Research UK.

The Battle committee has raised more than £500,000, and much of this has been raised during Paula’s time on the committee.

The committee raise money through quiz nights, music events, a children’s art competition and many more events.

Paula said: “I care passionately about Cancer Research UK and their amazing work looking for new treatments for cancer.

“I feel really lucky to be involved with the Battle committee who work so hard for CRUK but have enormous fun doing it as well. I feel I am accepting this award on behalf of all the committee.”

Dr Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK chief executive, said: “Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and has ambitious plans to make even further progress over the next 20 years. However, progress is only made possible thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses.

“Our Flame of Hope Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to these enormously generous volunteers and supporters for the fantastic work they do.”

In the 1970s, less than a quarter of people with cancer survived. But over the last 40 years, survival has doubled – today half will survive. Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to ensure that three-quarters of all people diagnosed in Sussex survive their cancer within the next 20 years.

Chloe Williams, Cancer Research UK Local Fundraising Manager for Sussex said: “These awards are our way of honouring incredible people like Paula who give their time freely to raise money for research and promote greater awareness of the disease, and yet ask for nothing in return.

“It’s thanks to the support of the fundraising public and our amazing army of volunteers that we can continue to make a real difference and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”