AN inspirational volunteer from Brierfield who has helped others whilst battling breast cancer has received the Health Ambassador Award from NHS East Lancashire.

Anne Dawber, 57, has battled a number of illnesses, including arthritis, asthma, anxiety and food intolerances, as well as the lesser known fibromyalgia, which causes constant body aching.

However, Anne’s biggest blow was being diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

Despite all these drawbacks, Anne’s determination to stay positive has led her to provide support for others in similar situations.

Anne spends her spare time volunteering on the Expert Patient Programme (EPP), as well as running the ‘Bosom Buddies’ support group, which she founded after being diagnosed with cancer.

The busy grandmother-of-three also combined her volunteering work with a full-time role at Job Centre Plus.

Anne said: “I had tried everything to cope with the physical side of my illness, from acupuncture to physiotherapy, but I wanted something that would help me mentally.

“I wanted to talk to other people who knew what it was like to have my conditions, to share ideas and help each other through the difficult times.”

Anne found a solution in the shape of the EPP, a course delivered by patients, for patients.

The course teaches people how to cope with their condition and Anne enjoyed it so much that she gave up her evenings and holidays to train to be a volunteer for the course.

Anne said: “When I was diagnosed, I was more worried about the effect it would have on my husband, Steven, who lost his mum to breast cancer when she was just 42. I was determined to stay positive for him.”

After meeting other women whilst attending day therapy sessions at Pendleside hospice, Anne set up ‘Bosom Buddies’.

She said: “The idea of the group was to help women live as positive a life as possible.

Debbie Franks, who works in Self Care, said: “Anne has been an inspiration to all her course participants and co-tutors and I feel her determination to carry on despite her illnesses makes her a worthy award winner.”