TWO friends’ search for a silver lining after their lives were touched by cancer has led to an award from the Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

Jackie Holmes, of Natland, and Liz Nelson, of Milnthorpe were hailed as the charity's north Lancashire and south Cumbria "supporters of the year" during a thank you event for volunteers and fundraisers at the Longlands Inn, Tewitfield.

Back in 2015 Jackie was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Liz's niece Maria Inman was diagnosed with a rare soft-tissue cancer, aged just 21.

Both are now in remission after undergoing successful treatment, including radiotherapy at the Rosemere Cancer Centre at Royal Preston Hospital.

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Their "tireless efforts" were praised by Rosemere's chief officer Sue Thompson, who said: “Jackie and Liz helped us find a venue for our Kendal Santa Dash, got us invited to Kendal Torchlight and introduced us to a number of local community organisations such as Young Farmers in particular and to the organisers of the Westmorland County Show.

“In addition, they have organised a number of fundraising events for us, most notably balls at Kendal’s Castle Green Hotel this year and in 2016, both of which raised approximately £20,000 each. They have been tireless in their efforts to support us - help, which is a silver lining to the time when both found themselves touched by cancer.”

Jackie was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2015. That same year, Liz’s niece Maria Inman, who was just 21 at the time, was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare soft-tissue cancer, while away travelling in Australia and New Zealand.

Maria returned home for treatment which, like Jackie, included radiotherapy at Rosemere Cancer Centre at the Royal Preston Hospital. Both are now in remission. It was during this time of treatment that Liz and Jackie became aware of the Rosemere charity.

To find out more, visit www.rosemere.org.uk