Cancer Research UK’s shop in Abergavenny has scooped a national award in recognition of its outstanding contribution.

The Abergavenny shop received a Shop of the Year accolade at a special Flame of Hope awards ceremony in Bath on November 11.

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

The audience heard how dedicated and hard-working the staff and volunteers have been in making the store such a success.

“It’s absolutely fantastic that we have won the Shop of the Year award,” said Sharne “It’s thanks to a lot of hard work and commitment and we couldn’t do it without the support of our loyal customers and our incredible volunteers.

“Many of our customers have been affected by cancer, so I think that makes a big difference as people feel a strong connection with the cause.

“Both my parents sadly died from cancer which is a big motivation for me. This award is testament to the team’s passion to support life-saving research to help people affected by cancer.”

One of the shop’s volunteers, who is well known in the town, is 34-year-old Leigh Hughes.

Leigh, who has down’s syndrome, won the charity’s Young Volunteer of the Year award last year. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic - the annual awards ceremony was cancelled. But Leigh was determined to make up for last year’s disappointment at this year’s ceremony.

“Leigh has been so excited about the awards ceremony,” said Sharne. “She bought a new outfit especially for the occasion, including a new pair of red Dr Martin boots! She is a fantastic Ambassador for the charity and is well known and well loved by our customers.

“We are all so honoured and pleased to be recognised with this award.”

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: “The past 18 months has shown us – more than ever – how fortunate we are to have the support of our incredible volunteers.

“The Flame of Hope awards give us the opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to our dedicated volunteers and supporters for the fantastic work they continue to do.

“One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime*, and we can all play a part to help beat it. Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives but this has only been possible thanks to the commitment of our supporters and volunteers, without whom we would be unable to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses.”

The Abergavenny Shop was among a total of 80 individuals and groups to be recognised.

The 2021 Flame of Hope awards are being held at six locations across the UK throughout November.

Ruth Amies, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Wales, said: “This is the first year we have celebrated our Flame of Hope award winners with events across the UK - making the occasion more personal for our amazing supporters.

“Every step we make towards beating cancer relies on every pound, every hour and every person.

“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.”

Cancer Research UK has celebrated the achievements of more than 1,500 people since launching its Flame of Hope awards in 2013.

For more information about Cancer Research UK visit cruk.org