We at Tenovus Cancer Care are delighted to announce the shortlisted nominees for this year's Volunteer Awards.
Announcing the 2024 Volunteer Awards Shortlist
Retail Nominations
Val Staddon, Shop Volunteer in Cowbridge
A passionate advocate for the charity, 84-year-old Val Staddon has been volunteering at Tenovus Cancer Care’s Cowbridge shop since 2017 – religiously committing two mornings and a Saturday on a weekly basis. Her smiley and friendly attitude has made her a hit with the local community and after a period as the eBay guru, she created a Designer area within the shop – an idea that has raised an income of approximately £10,000 for the charity. She’s an incredible volunteer and one of Shop Manager Claire’s most trusted advisors.
Andrew Tyler, Volunteer Driver in Cardiff
Helpful and kind, it’s impossible to measure the financial contribution Andrew Tyler makes to Tenovus Cancer Care. On the surface, his role is moving stock from A to B, but he does so much more than this. Without prompt, he provides analysis of stock and strives to get the right stock in the right location, supports and adapts to every shop’s needs and keeps everyone safe by removing and relocating donations to increase another shop’s income - he’s a real champion.
Sylvia Howard, Shop Volunteer in Conwy
Sylvia Howard’s loyalty to Tenovus Cancer Care knows no bounds. Having volunteered at the Conwy shop for over 20 years, she has an extensive knowledge of the town and the people of Conwy, all of whom really like her. She has a deep understanding of the day-to-day running of the shop, from pricing and steaming to sorting donations, arranging displays and all aspects of the till, and in the absence of the Manager, is the main point of contact.
Fundraising Nominations
Peak Performance
Inspired by the personal cancer experience of several members, Peak Performance Wales (PPW) has been on a mission to raise money for Tenovus Cancer Care. The running club from Llanelli has arranged several fundraising events during the year, and most recently,11 members ran the TCS London Marathon, raising over £24,000. In addition to undertaking physical challenges (the next being the Berlin Marathon), they’ve also been raising awareness of the charity within the local community and businesses and shared their stories and experiences on camera and on the radio.
Ruthin and Denbigh Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care
For nearly three decades, Ruthin and Denbigh Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care have been tirelessly raising funds and awareness of Tenovus Cancer Care. Their unwavering dedication and compassion have raised an astounding £155,600 to date. Deeply rooted in the community, the group organizes a variety of events, from pop-up shops to coffee mornings and regularly attends local shows. Fostering a spirit of solidarity and friendship, they ensure the whole community has the information they need to gain support, which has made a tangible difference to the lives of many.
Steve Western
Nine years ago, Steve Western launched the inaugural Ten Y Fan. This unique event sees brave participants climb South Wales’s highest peak, Pen Y Fan, 10 times in 24 hours. To date, they’ve raised over £300,000 for charities and since becoming a charity partner three years ago, an incredible £30,000 has been raised for Tenovus Cancer Care, making a huge difference to the services we provide in the community. Steve, like his team, give their time voluntarily to raise thousands for charities and to ensure a smooth and safe event for everyone – a truly inspiring person.
Support Services
Liz Owen (Benefits volunteer and Head Office volunteer)
Undertaking several roles within the charity, Liz Owen is a loyal and invaluable volunteer at Tenovus Cancer Care and a familiar face and voice within the Benefits Team. Her incredible eye for detail and practicality has been instrumental in improving team processes and client experience. Empathetic and compassionate, she always offers a supportive voice for clients facing extremely difficult times and is often the first point of contact for people who have recently lost loved ones. On a mission to ensure that every family has the help and support they need, she promotes all the services offered by Tenovus Cancer Care.
Angela Murray (Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care)
Full of passion, Angela Murray is the backbone of the Burry Port Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care group, where she has been a central figure in raising an incredible £43,000 for the charity. She’s a dedicated member of the Carmarthen Sing with Us choir, where she has helped raise a further £11,000 for us. Regularly going above and beyond what’s expected, Angela’s work goes beyond fundraising. Her vibrant personality and tireless efforts have not only raised significant funds but also brought people together, fostering a community of care and compassion and her dedication and enthusiasm inspires everyone around her.
Cath Richards (Multiple volunteer roles)
A supportive and friendly face of the Cardiff North Sing with Us choir, Cath Richards has welcomed numerous choristers over the last eight years and has made many of them feel at ease on their first evening. Always with a smile on her face, she remembers every single chorister and is always cheerful, even when facing her own personal difficulties. She’s a great advocate for the choir and always goes out of her way to be nice, helpful and supportive, while keeping everyone up to date with all upcoming commitments.
Values Nominations
Cwmbran Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care
Driven to succeed, Cwmbran Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care is one of the charity’s newest groups, having formed in 2023. However, they have already delivered a range of events, from social evenings, afternoon teas, raffles and birthday parties. Led by the formidable Sarah Forbes-Warren, who has brought a lot of strategic vision, the supportive and empathetic nature of the group is of great credit to the whole community and the Cwmbran Sing with Us choir. Members are always there at just the right time, with a supportive arm, a warm smile and support by the bucket full.
Hollie McFarlane
Despite her own ongoing battle with breast cancer, Hollie McFarlane’s unwavering commitment, creative fundraising efforts, and passionate advocacy of Tenovus Cancer Care is hugely inspiring. She donates £1 from every sale of her children's book, Sometimes Mummy Feels, which aims to explain cancer to young children to the charity and actively participates in events, from a fire walk to numerous Lovelight concerts, where she courageously shared her personal story. Her contributions have had a profound impact on Tenovus Cancer Care and the community it serves. Her resilience, compassion, and dedication truly embody the spirit of volunteerism.
Mal’s Poetry Group
Longtime supporter of Tenovus Cancer Care, Mal O’Donnell documented his personal experience of cancer through a poignant collection of poems. Working alongside an amazing team of volunteers, which included a graphic designer and members of the All-Wales Cancer Community steering group, the collection was bought to life in the form of a book and was presented for the first time, in a moving moment at the Senedd during the All-Wales Cancer Community’s annual Summer Tea. The end result is beautiful and has moved many people to tears and will be a huge support to people affected by cancer as they recognize their own experiences represented so beautifully in Mal’s words.
