A STUDENT who lost her mother to cancer has been awarded for her tireless volunteering work.

Lucy Creamer, a student at the University of Sussex, was honoured by Macmillan Cancer Support at the charity’s annual Volunteer Awards.

The 20-year-old has volunteered for the charity for more than 18 months and works at the Macmillan Horizon Centre in Bristol Gate, Brighton.

Before the coronavirus lockdown Lucy would run the cafe at the centre on her own and regularly covered shifts when no other volunteers were available.

But earlier this year she had to take a step away from volunteering to become a part-time carer for her mother, who died from brain cancer at the end of March.

Now Lucy has been named Young Macmillan Champion.

She said: “I have always done charity stuff since I was young.

“One of my gran’s friends raised a lot of money for Macmillan over the course of her life so I was aware of the charity and the work it does.

“When my mum was diagnosed my dad and I were both given support by Macmillan and I wanted to give something back.

“I was really keen to volunteer for them and get involved, not just raise money.

“My family is from Devon but when I got into Sussex University my mum and dad moved to Sussex which made it easier for me to stay close to them.

“I knew about the Horizon Centre and actually applied for a position on reception but ended up working in the café, which really suited me.

“Everybody I’ve met there is so positive and friendly.

“People use the Horizon Centre to talk to professionals but sometimes it’s nice for them to come to the café for a chat. It’s a bit of an escape for people.

“It’s very rewarding to be able to brighten somebody’s day over a cuppa because they can be going through difficult times and very often might be struggling.”

The Horizon Centre offers a range of services to people living with cancer and their families through support groups, complementary therapies and specialist advice.

Centre manager Geoff Brown said: “A key part of the role of the café volunteers is to chat to visitors to make them feel welcome and at home.

“Lucy does this very well and has been commended by visitors for being extremely helpful and caring.

“Lucy also gets on very well with the other volunteers, many of whom are 50 years her senior. This camaraderie really helps to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere in the café.

“She has persuaded the Sussex University Women’s Rugby Club to fundraise for the centre and she has led a number of fundraising activities herself, including cake stalls and a hot dog eating competition.

“The Horizon Centre staff and her fellow volunteers are all amazed at how much Lucy gives and the calm and balance she has been able to maintain, at her age, with so much going on in her life.

“She is amazing and a very deserving recipient of this award.”

Lucy cannot wait to get back to volunteering at the Horizon Centre when it reopens.

She said: “I will be going back when university starts again – I love it there. I was truly flattered to get the Young Macmillan Champion award. It really means a lot to me.”