Politicians roll up their sleeves in support of Volunteers¿ Week

Leading politicians from across the UK have volunteered at their local Cancer Research UK shops as part of Volunteers’ Week, which runs from 1st -7th June. The politicians were keen to promote the benefits of volunteering, and encourage local people to volunteer at their Cancer Research UK shops.

Politicians from across the political spectrum volunteered in shops across England, Scotland and Wales.

Left to Right Top Left: Shona Robison MSP with staff at volunteers at Cancer Research UK’s Broughty Ferry shop in Dundee Top Middle:Peter Black AM with two volunteers from the Swansea shop. Dulcie Harvey (l, 86) has been volunteering in the shop for 11 years, and Toni-Marie Tait (r, 22) is volunteering whilst studying. Top Right: Kevin Brennan MP with volunteers from the Cardiff Canton shop, Jeanette Mahony (l), and Jackie Davies (r) Middle Left: Edward Timpson MP with Angharad Owen, a 22 year old survivor of skin cancer who volunteered in the Nantwich shop whilst receiving treatment Middle Centre:Claire Baker MSP (L) donating goods to our Leven store, with breast cancer survivor Grace Black (48, R) Middle Right:Jeremy Browne MP with Assistant Manager Helen Robinson (l) and volunteer Ella Keenan (r) Bottom Left: Nick Hurd MP helping to tidy the bookshelves in Northwood Bottom Right: Stephen Timms MP with Mary who has been volunteering for 20 years

Top Left: Shona Robison MSP with staff at volunteers at Cancer Research UK’s Broughty Ferry shop in Dundee Top Middle: Peter Black AM with two volunteers from the Swansea shop. Dulcie Harvey (l, 86) has been volunteering in the shop for 11 years, and Toni-Marie Tait (r, 22) is volunteering whilst studying. Top Right: Kevin Brennan MP with volunteers from the Cardiff Canton shop, Jeanette Mahony (l), and Jackie Davies (r) Middle Left: Edward Timpson MP with Angharad Owen, a 22 year old survivor of skin cancer who volunteered in the Nantwich shop whilst receiving treatment Middle Centre:Claire Baker MSP (L) donating goods to our Leven store, with breast cancer survivor Grace Black (48, R) Middle Right:Jeremy Browne MP with Assistant Manager Helen Robinson (l) and volunteer Ella Keenan (r) Bottom Left: Nick Hurd MP helping to tidy the bookshelves in Northwood Bottom Right:Stephen Timms MP with Mary who has been volunteering for 20 years

Cancer survivors and Cancer Research UK shop volunteers met with each of the politicians, and shared their stories with them. The politicians were impressed by the inspirational commitment of Cancer Research UK’s 46,500 volunteers. They were also keen to encourage people to support the urgent stock appeal that Cancer Research UK shops are currently running.

The politicians set an example by helping out with a range of tasks such as sorting and preparing donated goods, manning the tills, dressing windows and pricing goods.

Volunteers’ Week is a national celebration of volunteering. The aim of the week is to recognise the contribution of millions of volunteers across the UK and encourage more people to get involved.

Cancer Research UK’s Taunton shop manager, Susan Jones said: ‘We have a fantastic team of volunteers and I’m grateful for all their hard work. The time they spend here each week makes a huge difference. There is always work to be done, and even just a few hours a week helps enormously.’

‘Volunteering is rewarding in so many ways. It’s a great way to meet people, have fun and learn new skills. Working in a shop is just one way to volunteer at Cancer Research UK, and the best thing is that all our volunteers really are helping to beat cancer by supporting more than 4,250 scientists, doctors and nurses across the UK.’

To find out more about Volunteering for Cancer Research UK, please visit your local shop, call the Volunteering Department on 020 7438 5277 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/volunteering.