THOUSANDS of volunteers dedicate time and energy to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

And now in its centenary year Macmillan Cancer Support has called on more people to give their time to help out.

Volunteers are essential to everything the charity does, with Macmillan volunteers being its face in the local community. They raise money to fund vital cancer services and help Macmillan to deliver them.

There are many ways people can volunteer for the charity such as signing up in the fundraising office in Welwyn.

One PR and communications volunteer said: “Before joining Macmillan almost a year ago, I had been thinking about volunteering for quite a while but never really taken action.

“I found plenty of opportunities but none really matched my skill set.

“I didn’t just want to give my time; I wanted to put my professional experience to good use.

“When I found my local Macmillan fundraising office was looking for a PR and communications volunteer I literally jumped at the opportunity, as it was a perfect match.

“I have enjoyed taking ownership of their social media presence, sharing my experience and picking up lots of new tricks on the way which have benefited my own business in return.

“Who said volunteering was all about giving?”

There are positions open in coordinating or managing local volunteers or collections, office admin, PR and communications, events or in becoming a Macmillan speaker, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved with your local fundraising team.

n For more information please contact Kerry Briars on 01438 712012 or email herts@ macmillan.org.uk