A TEAM of 140 volunteers have earned a top award - after giving 10,000 hours of their time to help people affected by cancer.

The volunteers, from the Macmillan @ Glasgow Libraries project, have won the UK-wide Macmillan Cancer Support award.

The volunteering team, believed to the biggest of its kind in the UK, delivers cancer support in 20 libraries across the city.

Claire Brown, Macmillan Programme Manager for Glasgow Libraries, said: "We are so proud of all of the Macmillan @ Glasgow Libraries volunteers and utterly thrilled that their hard work and commitment to people affected by cancer in Glasgow has been recognised.#

"It is especially nice for the award to come just as the volunteers are about to celebrate giving 10,000 hours of their time to the service.

"It's a huge honour for all of us to be involved in such an innovative programme that has volunteering at the heart of it."

Since the partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support and Glasgow Life kicked off in June 2012, the volunteers have dealt with more than 4000 visits from people in need of emotional support or cancer information.

Volunteers Cassandra Kennedy and Catherine Armstrong will head to the House of Lords tomorrow to pick up the Deborah Hutton Award during a ceremony hosted by Esther Rantzen.

Fellow volunteers Jaqueline Davidson, Linda Telfer and Ann Ferguson have also been singled out for individual awards, given to people who have had cancer and are volunteering to support others affected by the illness.

Ann was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 and is still having treatment. She has been volunteering for more than a year at Pollok Civic Realm to help others in the same position.

The 58-year-old from Thornliebank said: "I really enjoy volunteering, which can involve anything from pointing people in the right direction for benefits support or helping them access our free complementary therapies and physical activity classes like Chi-Jung.

"It makes you feel good knowing you are helping others in the same predicament. The service is hugely important."

SHE continued: "When I was first diagnosed I didn't really know where to turn for information and support, and it was all quite daunting.

"But the Macmillan @ Libraries service changes all of that and it ensures no one has to face cancer alone.

"We've got more people attending our service every week as it keeps growing. I am overwhelmed to receive an award for the part I play, but it's really nice to be recognised and appreciated."

Volunteer Linda Telfer, 56, said volunteering helped her re-build her confidence in dealing with people again after being diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2013.

Linda, from Crookston, said: "I was blown away when I found out I had won this award.

"Volunteering has really helped me build up my confidence again after my illness, by allowing me to mix with lots of different people.

"I want to be there for people going through cancer or their family or friends and I think it can be good for them to know I've been through it and see that there can be a positive ending.

"I don't think most people understand the amount of help available in Glasgow from Macmillan.

"I'd urge anyone coping with cancer, whether they have cancer themselves or it's a family member or friend, not to be afraid to drop in and talk to us. We want to help."

The Macmillan@Glasgow Libraries project has attracted the attention of local authorities around Britain who are keen learn from the success of the city's pioneering cancer support volunteering team.

Claire added: "Having volunteers deliver this kind of service on such a large scale is very unique - in fact we think we might be the biggest volunteer-led cancer support and information service in the whole of the UK.

"We've worked to build good relationships with health staff around the city to let them know about our service, as well as reassuring them that if they refer patients onto our volunteers, they will be in safe hands.

"We've also had lots of interest from local authorities across the UK who are interested replicating our service, with the value volunteers can bring really being recognised."

Macmillan's General Manager Janice Preston added: "Without this dedicated team of volunteers, thousands of people across Glasgow wouldn't have received the support and information they needed.

"We are grateful to every one of our 140 volunteers and hope they are all proud of the impact they've had on the lives of people with cancer and their families. We look forward to seeing our volunteer team grow the service expands."

The Macmillan @ Libraries service will be rolled out to all 33 libraries in the city by the end of the year, and is currently also available at Scotstoun Sports Complex.

To find out more about your nearest service: Call 0141 287 299 Or e-mail: macmillan@glasgowlife.org.uk

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk