TWO Tavistock women were this week rewarded for more than 50 years of dedicated volunteer work with Macmillan Cancer Relief, when they were awarded special medals and citations in recognition of their commitment.
Ruth Towell and Barbara Beckerleg became founder members of the Tavistock Macmillan committee in 1976, when it was founded by present chairman Jenny Howell. The two women have been involved in countless fundraising events ever since and have been key players in the running of the Macmillan shop, which opened in Tavistock in 1993.
Jeff Faulkner, regional director for Macmillan, presented the two women with their awards and chairman?s medals. He said the dedication shown by Ruth and Barbara over the years had been ?outstanding?.
Mr Faulkner said: ?Macmillan?s Tavistock committee must have raised over £30,000 in the last five years alone. We really could not raise all this money to help people living with cancer without the dedication and hard work of our volunteers.
?These awards are a token of our gratitude to Ruth and Barbara for their unstinting efforts over a combined total of 54 years selfless devotion to Macmillan.?
Ruth said: ?Working in the shop to raise money for Macmillan has become second nature for me now, I enjoy it. You get to know people ? we have fun!?
Barbara, who is chairman Jenny Howell?s aunt, said: ?Thanks to the loyal custom of local people, the support of our volunteers and because we have no paid staff, this shop has been a runaway success for Macmillan.
?It?s become an important part of my life and it?s so worthwhile ? this shop has made such a difference to local people living with cancer, and their families.?
Anyone interested in finding out more about Macmillan volunteering opportunities, which are worthwhile as well as enjoyable, should contact Tavistock chairman Jenny Howell on 01822 614453.