Two Herefordshire-based Macmillan Youth Development Officers have been shortlisted for a prestigious Macmillan award recognising their inspirational work supporting people affected by cancer in the area.

SammyJay Powell and Ness Holbrook, based at Hope Support Services, which was founded in Ross-on-Wye, were nominated by colleagues in the Service Improvement Excellence category which rewards those who’ve developed integrated services that have greatly improved the experiences of people affected by cancer.

Hope Support Services is a small charity based in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire that’s transforming the lives of young people who have close relatives with cancer. In 2012, Macmillan Cancer Support funded two Macmillan Youth Development Officers, SammyJay Powell and Ness Holbrook, who have gone on to become integral to the area’s cancer services.

SammyJay and Ness work with the young people who have been referred to Hope to pick out the parts of their service best suited to them. Some need one-to-one time with a support worker, while others prefer taking part in their vast range of group activities.

“When a young person is better able to cope with a family health crisis, they can better engage with their family, school and community,’ says SammyJay.

“Often schools don’t understand the huge pressure young people are under when someone in their family is ill,” adds Ness. “But we can liaise with schools on their behalf.”

A surprise celebrity guest will be hosting the awards ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel on Thursday, November 17th, where the winners will be announced for the first time.

The awards, which are now in their fifth year are a perfect opportunity for us to recognise and thank pioneering teams and individuals who deliver the highest standards of care for people affected by cancer.

Last year more than 300 Macmillan professionals as well as representatives from Macmillan and leading healthcare institutions attended the awards ceremony.

No one should face cancer alone. For support, information or if you have any questions, call Macmillan Cancer Support free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk