RADIO Clyde presenter Amber Zoe has become Marie Curie’s youngest celebrity ambassador.

The 23-year-old Glaswegian said the charity, which helps people living with terminal illness and at the end of life, is a cause close to her heart.

Amber’s gran spent time in the Glasgow Marie Curie Hospice before she died, and the family know others who have benefitted from the wonderful support provided there.

“The care given to my gran when she was in the Glasgow hospice was exceptional,” said Amber, who met patients at the hospice, including Tommy Gough, for a dance and chat earlier this week.

“The support given to my family meant the world to us, we felt like we were all in it together and that she was never alone. She was in a safe place with people we trusted and grew to know well.”

Glaswegian Amber, age 23, is the youngest addition to Marie Curie’s celebrity ambassadors which include fellow Scots Luke Robertson, the first Scot and youngest Brit to ski to the South Pole, and adventurer Hazel Robertson.

Amber said: “When I visit the Glasgow hospice, the friendly smiles on the faces of the staff cheer me up instantly. By becoming an ambassador for the charity, I really want to change the view that hospices are sad places, and I want to show the amazing work Marie Curie does not just for patients, but for their families and friends too.

“The groups and activities for patients, the therapies available and the work and commitment from the staff never fails to leave me in awe.”

Amber Zoe has supported the hospice in recent years by taking part in its Brain Game fundraising event and collecting for the annual Daffodil Appeal.

“I have loved being involved and taking part in fundraising – I can’t wait to get stuck in even more,” she smiled.

“I am so honoured and proud to call myself an ambassador for such a wonderful charity.”

Marie Curie helps people living with a terminal illness and their families make the most of the time they have together by delivering expert hands-on care, emotional support, research and guidance. The charity employs more than 2700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, and with its nine hospices around the UK including Glasgow and Edinburgh, is the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS.

Marie Curie Chief Executive Jane Collins said: “Amber always impresses us with how openly and engagingly she speaks about the care her loved ones received and we’ve been delighted to have her support at our Glasgow Brain Game event for a number of years. It’s an honour to have her accept this official role with us.”

The Marie Curie Support Line (0800 090 2309) is available for free confidential support and practical information on all aspects of terminal illness.