A BOURNEMOUTH volunteer has received a national award from Cancer Research UK in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the cause.

Colin Dawson scooped the Event Volunteer of the Year accolade, beating off stiff competition from across the UK at a ceremony in London hosted by Cancer Research UK’s chairman, Sir Leszek Borysiewicz.

The charity’s annual Flame of Hope Awards acknowledge remarkable efforts in fundraising and volunteering made by people from all walks of life.

Speaking about his award, Colin said: “I felt very humble receiving the award for doing something I've always enjoyed being part of.

“The Cancer Research UK family always make you feel welcome and many of us remain in contact outside of the event season. We all have a passion to help find a solution to this dreadful disease.”

Colin was among a total of 55 individuals and groups from across the UK recognised at the awards ceremony.

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: “The Flame of Hope awards give us the opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to our enormously generous volunteers and supporters for the fantastic work that they do.

“Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives but that’s only possible thanks to the commitment of our supporters and volunteers, without whom it would not be possible to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses.

“Today two in four people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. With the help of volunteers and supporters and by building the strongest possible team and working collaboratively, we can achieve the charity’s ambition of three in four people surviving their cancer by 2034.”

An audience at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall heard how Colin has been volunteering at Race for Life and Pretty Muddy events for eight years and always goes the extra mile, establishing himself as an integral member of the event volunteer team.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Dorset, said: “Every step we make towards beating cancer relies on every pound, every hour and every person.

“These awards are our way of honouring incredible people like Colin who give their time freely to raise money for research and promote greater awareness of the disease, and yet ask for nothing in return.

“It’s thanks to the support of the fundraising public and our amazing army of volunteers that we can continue to make a real difference and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”