By Sue Crawford

Last updated at 12:08, Friday, 17 August 2012

Ten years of helping improve the lives of cancer patients and their families has brought a top award for volunteer Gary McKee.

Gary McKee

Gary, 43, from Cleator Moor, has helped raise £100,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support over the past decade.

Now in recognition of his tireless work, he has become the first person in the north of England to take the title Macmillan Cancer Support Volunteer of the Year.

Following the death of his father, Gary has completed a number of challenges at home and abroad for Macmillan, including cycling through Brazil, climbing Kilimanjaro and trekking across New Zealand.

Gary, who carried the Olympic torch on its way through Whitehaven, received his honour at a Champagne reception in the Olympic Park ahead of the handball final.

He and his wife Susan had been invited to the Games in recognition of his work.

Gary said: “The whole day was absolutely great. We enjoyed the reception, chatting with dignitaries and sponsors, and representatives of Macmillan.

“And the game itself was brilliant. The final had to be moved from the Copper Box to the basketball arena to accommodate all the people.

“Afterwards we had a chance to wander around the Olympic Park and the whole set-up was fantastic... the place was buzzing.”

Sue McDonald, Macmillan fundraising manager for Cumbria, described Gary as a “humble, unassuming family man” who had pushed himself to the limit on many occasions to raise money for the charity.

She said: “Last year saw Gary run from Lands End to John O’Groats – he completed the equivalent of 33 marathons in 27 days. So far in 2012 he has run the coast to coast route in 24 hours.

“Because of his efforts for Macmillan, Gary was lucky enough to carry the Olympic Torch through Whitehaven and has since been inspiring hundreds of school children in his local area.

“It was very fitting that Gary was presented with the award at the Olympic Men’s handball final.”

First published at 11:29, Friday, 17 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk