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Manx charity recognised with Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2019

Monday, 3 June 2019

A breast cancer charity inthe Isle of Man has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the highest award given to volunteer groups in the UK and Crown Dependencies. 

Manx Breast Cancer Support Group has been recognised for raising more than £2.8 million to improve the experience of patients in the Isle of Man since 2012. This figure is rising and the work of the group grows. 

Patron of the group Sheila Dean recently attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace where she and other representatives of the 2019 awardees met members of the Royal Family. 

Manx Breast Cancer Support Group is one of 281 volunteer-led groups to receive the award this year. The number of awards has increased in 2019, reflecting the expansion of the voluntary sector today. 

The award recognises exceptional service by voluntary groups within their communities. The recipients are announced each year on the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. 

Manx Breast Cancer Support Group will receive their award from the Lieutenant Governor at an event in their honour at Government House later in the year. 

The Lieutenant Governor, Sir Richard Gozney warmly received the news of the Queen’s award to the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, saying:

‘I have been impressed by the scale and scope of the group’s achievements and by their enthusiasm and commitment to supporting patients on and from the Isle of Man. Everyone involved with the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group should be proud of their positive impact.’ 

Chief Minister Howard Quayle, who supported the original nomination which resulted in the Queen’s Award, said:

‘I have watched this extraordinary group of committed people, many of whom have fought breast cancer, work tirelessly to improve facilities for others facing the same frightening diagnosis.’ 

‘They’ve surpassed ambitious targets thanks to the dynamism and flair of their members and supporters. Having established the Manx Breast Unit, they are now championing new projects and are widely admired by the Manx public for their efforts. I am delighted the group has been recognised with this prestigious award – it is truly deserved.’  

Chair of the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group Julie Stokes said:

‘We are proud and honoured that our efforts have been recognised by this prestigious award which has been achieved through much hard work and dedication by a team of ladies and gentlemen who have committed themselves to giving the best possible support, care and facilities to those affected by breast cancer.’ 

Applauding the work of her team, Mrs Stokes added:

‘We could not have done it without the support of the Manx people who have thrown themselves wholeheartedly behind us, and the partnership we have enjoyed with the Department of Health and Social Care, hospital management and teams in Breast Care and Radiology.  ‘It shows what working together can achieve and that together we can do so much more. Manx Breast Cancer Support Group will continue to fund-raise to improve the experience for breast cancer patients on our Island.’

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