VOLUNTEERS are needed to help support people with cancer in Worcestershire.

Macmillan Cancer Support needs people to help Macmillan staff support those affected by cancer by visiting them in their homes, and also requires others to supervise a group of volunteers.

Ideally, volunteers would offer a few hours a week for 12 months or more, but that can be flexible. They also need to have access to a car or public transport.

Patrick O’Mahoney, 66, from Kempsey, currently volunteers for the Macmillan Worcestershire Buddy Scheme.

"I first became a Macmillan volunteer in August 2013. Six years on and I’m still volunteering. I get huge pleasure out of knowing my colleagues and myself make a difference to people’s lives. The look in people’s eyes when they know there is someone they can turn to, especially if they live alone, is priceless.

"You meet a service user, get to know them and go through this massive journey with them. They tell you things they wouldn’t tell their family because they mostly want to protect them. I know during all these different chats we have, it’s helping them unload, which is very rewarding."

Helen Preston, 43, from Worcester also volunteers for the scheme.

She said: "I started volunteering with Macmillan in early 2017. I enjoy being able to provide someone in a dark place in their life with a little bit of sunshine – a smile, a helping hand with something at home that makes the world of difference to that person no matter how small it might be.

"I think that cancer can be all consuming to the person diagnosed and their family and friends. Everyone needs someone at some point and sometimes it can be easier to be someone 'unconnected' that helps out, like a volunteer. It doesn't matter what age you are or the age of the service user, there's always something to chat about or do together."

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Niki Cooper on 07525 813018 or ncooper@macmillan.org.uk or visit www.volunteering.macmillan.org.uk