A KENDAL resident who lost her mother to cancer says she has become a better person by volunteering at Westmorland General Hospital's oncology department.

Maureen Holmes volunteers on the Grizedale Unit where she makes refreshments for staff and patients,and is happy to do her part at the hospital.

The 75-year-old said: "The best part for me is working with such wonderful staff who really appreciate all the help I can give and being able to give something back to the service that has looked after my family.

"My mother died from breast cancer many years ago and my brother was diagnosed with cancer on his tonsils nearly four years ago.

"Through volunteering, I feel that I have become a better and happier person."

Maureen, who also takes bloods to the pathology department, has volunteered at the hospital for the past seven years.

Around 350 people volunteer across University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust’s (UHMBT) hospital sites in such roles as welcoming visitors with general enquiries, gardening, assisting at meal times-distributing meals, making drinks and talking to patients and helping at fundraising events.

This week (1-7 June) marks Volunteers' Week and another Kendal volunteer has spoken about the benefits of volunteering.

20-year-old Flora Hill said: "I’m a digital volunteer and I help out each week designing graphics for different events and charities.

"When I started at Cumbria CVS I’d never made any graphics before but everyone is so supportive and helpful and now it’s something I look forward to doing each week."

Cumbria CVS is a registered charity and membership organisation and supports the Third Sector and other organisations to recruit new volunteers.