Breast cancer support group in Liverpool receives King's Award for voluntary service

The Sunshine Group, a breast cancer support group established 25 years ago for patients of Aintree University Hospital and Royal Liverpool University Hospital, has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Services – the MBE for volunteers and the highest accolade awarded to volunteers for their contribution to society.

Funded by University Hospitals of Liverpool Charity, the Sunshine Group supports women who are going through breast cancer, from diagnosis, during treatment and after. It is run by a small group of volunteers; steered by women for women. The group fundraises throughout the year via various charity events that are organised on a regular basis.

Ann Coffey, who lives in Crosby, has been leading the group for the past 13 years, offering monthly meet ups and a range of activities, from guest speakers, health trainers, days out, evening meals and even lingerie shows. Members attending the sessions are also signposted to other outside agencies for help and support.

Retreats are often set up by Ann, as well as several other trained volunteers who have also survived breast cancer. The retreats take place at Aintree Hospital and provide patients with holistic treatments such as lymphedema hand, arm, feet and leg massages, Reiki and reflexology following referrals by clinics at both Aintree and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

Former head teacher, Ann, is herself a breast cancer survivor, who underwent vigorous treatment for lobular breast cancer at Aintree Hospital Breast Clinic after being diagnosed in 2010. Ann has since had a mastectomy, reconstruction surgery, radiotherapy and ten years of Tamoxifen hormonal therapy. In 2013, she was asked to take over the running of the Sunshine Group and it has since grown from six members to over 500.

Ann said:

“I am incredibly proud of everything that the Sunshine Group has achieved and it was a huge honour to receive this award on behalf of the group. Through the dedication of our wonderful volunteers, we are able to offer invaluable support to patients and families of those undergoing treatment for breast cancer, and I know first-hand the difference this can make.”