Staff at Dudley's White House Cancer Support are celebrating after gaining a prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The award, which was created in 2002 to mark the Monarch’s Golden Jubilee, is the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary groups and recognises excellence in activities carried out by community groups. It is the highest award given to local volunteer organisations across the UK. White House Cancer Support manager Caroline Webb said:

“I am delighted the invaluable work of White House Cancer Support and its fantastic volunteers has been recognised at such a high level. This award showcases the hard work, commitment and support from people, past and present, who have given their time since the organisation was set up 33 years ago.

“Their contributions are truly appreciated, as without such help we could not fully provide our current service and we are indebted to those people who selflessly take on their volunteer role in support of others."

The organisation was founded in 1984 by cancer patient Elizabeth Harris whose vision for a support network to benefit families, friends and carers saw the team grow from a weekly self-help unit, held in the lounge of her own home, to the current premises in Ednam Road with offices, counselling suites and treatment rooms, plus several branch groups across the Black Country offering a range of activities.

Caroline added: "Despite not personally knowing Elizabeth Harris I feel no better legacy could be achieved and that she would have been immensely proud that the charity is, in essence, receiving the equivalent of an MBE."

White House Cancer Support receives Queen’s Award for Voluntary ServiceThe charity is set to receive the award from the office of the Lord Lieutenant, West Midlands later this year.