A THORNBURY charity has been given a Queen's award for voluntary service.

Brain Tumour Support, were presented with the award, considered the MBE for volunteer groups, by Edward Gillespie OBE, the Queen’s Lord Lieutenant for Gloucestershire.

He said: “This is a very special occasion, not just for Brain Tumour Support, but also for the Lieutenancy - the Queen’s Award is something we take great pride in."

"This is a glowing example of voluntary service in the community."

The charity was set up by Tina Mitchell Skinner 16 years ago after losing her husband to a brain tumour.

Speaking at the presentation said: “It is a moment for us as a charity that is incredibly important. We have here today volunteers, ambassadors and patrons, and all of you have contributed to the work that we are doing.

"That is what this award is about, the value that you give to us as a charity is unquestionably marvellous so I cannot thank you enough for all that you do.”

Also attending the presentation was one of the first volunteers to help at the charity, Annie Johnson, whose husband was diagnosed at the same time at Tina’s husband.

She said: “The charity gave us the biggest arms of support you could possibly imagine. I had the most amazing support and so did my daughter.

"I wanted to give back to the people who helped me. I wanted to walk alongside other people, being a friend as a volunteer, to empower people to keep going.

"We should never forget the power of social contact, it is amazing and wonderful."

Brain Tumour Support are currently looking for volunteers and there is a drop-in event at the charity's office on Thornbury High Street from 3pm today.

For more information contact Jane Jones on 01454 414355 or email jane.jones@braintumoursupport.co.uk