Fountain Centre volunteers receive prestigious service award | News

The Fountain Centre, a small independent cancer charity based at St Luke’s Cancer Centre in Royal Surrey, has received a prestigious voluntary service award.

The charity’s team of volunteers were nominated as a group for a ‘Mayors Award for Service to the Community’ in recognition of their outstanding support for local people living with cancer.

Long-standing volunteers Penny Tree and Jennifer Korolewicz attended a formal award ceremony at the County Club in Guildford, where the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Dennis Booth, presented them with a commemorative certificate. Outgoing Chairman of the Fountain Centre, Martin Read, also received a much deserved award for his services to the community.

Volunteers play a crucial role in welcoming patients, their families, and carers, as well as ensuring the centre runs smoothly. Many have been touched by cancer themselves, so they are able to listen and empathise with patients, both in the centre, and on the hospital wards.

Head of the Fountain Centre, Anne Pike, said:

“All our services are delivered primarily by volunteers, including fully qualified complementary therapists and counsellors. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do and we are so proud that they have been recognised by the Mayor in this way.”

Not only does the Fountain Centre provide cancer patients with valuable complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage and reflexology, they also run a unique children’s and family counselling service, supporting those with school age children or younger, which accounts for 20% of their patients. 

A Fountain Centre patient said of her therapist:

“Marion provided moments of peace and magic during a tough time. Marion listened, tailored the massage to exactly what I needed. It has made such a difference and helped to keep a smile on my face”.

A Fountain Centre volunteer said:

“The Fountain Centre is an amazing place, filled with love, compassion and hope. You are all incredible people and help so many people who are dealing with cancer. I’m proud to be involved.”

If you’re inspired to join the Fountain Centre’s volunteering team, you can easily submit your details via their online form.

Pictured collecting the awards: Left: Jennifer Korolewicz, Right: Penny Tree and Martin Read.