By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 13:49, Thursday, 14 June 2012

A cancer volunteer who took information stands out into the communities is to be given a national award next week.

Sheila Barrow

Sheila Barrow, of Carlisle, who volunteers with Macmillan Cancer, started running an information project in April 2009 to introduce their service to county libraries.

The stands, containing information about cancer treatments and prognosis, were rolled out to nine libraries initially, later increasing to 18.

Staff also host drop-in sessions at some of the libraries, with trained Macmillan support volunteers.

The outreach project, which involves the cancer charity, the north Cumbria hospital trust and the county council library service, aims to widen the number of people the charity can reach.

Sheila was given the Deborah Hutton Macmillan award after being nominated by her former manager for her ‘instrumental’ work from the early days.

Helen Towers, from Cumbria Libraries, said Sheila was ‘the most positive and optimistic person you could wish to meet.’

“She is very reliable and dedicated and, while we have very clear roles for our volunteers within our project, Sheila went above and beyond what might be expected.”

Cumbria County Council chairman Norman Clarkson said he was really proud of her.

“She has contributed a lot of work to the development of the project,” he added.

“It is great to see her being recognised with this award.”

Sheila will be given her award at a special tea party in Carlisle library on Monday afternoon by Cumbria Woman of the Year, Val Armstrong.

Sheila was unavailable for comment as she is on holiday.

Deborah Hutton died from lung cancer in 2005 and penned What Can I Do To Help? – a book, published by Macmillan, containing 75 practical ideas for family and friends to help their loved ones going through the cancer journey.

First published at 11:28, Thursday, 14 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk