A little more than 15 years ago, Karen Green had to watch her mother pass away.

It was important to Ms Green that her mum was able to stay at home, rather than go into a hospital. With a little help from Marie Curie, her mum Elsie Sands was provided with one to one care in her own home.

“The nurses were pure angels, they were wonderful at helping mum with her symptoms and gave both of us much needed emotional support at a difficult time.”

That's when she decided to dedicate herself to volunteering for the cancer charity.

Now all these years later, Ms Green's hard work has been recognised.

Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, Ms Green celebrated 15 years of volunteering with a celebration at the Purley Bury Tennis Club.

In her volunteer roles as PR and media officer and legacy ambassador, Karen has had a hand in collections at Crystal Palace and West Ham football clubs as well as the Whitgift Centre just to name a few.