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

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

Leigh Hughes, 33 from Abergavenny, scooped the volunteer of the year award accolade, beating off stiff competition from across the UK.

She was congratulated at a special online presentation. This was in place of a ceremony in London hosted by Cancer Research UK’s chairman, Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, which had to be cancelled to protect the country’s health during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The pandemic has caused a devastating loss of funding for cancer research. Following the cancellation of fundraising events like Race for Life, Cancer Research UK is expecting a staggering £160 million drop in income in the year ahead.

As a result, the charity has made the difficult decision to cut £44 million in research funding.

Leigh, who has Down’s syndrome, has worked at the Cancer Research UK shop in Abergavenny for the past three years and has shown exceptional dedication to the charity by raising over £6,000 through various fundraising initiatives in the shop, doubling the shop’s financial target.

Leigh said of the award: “Working at the Cancer Research UK Charity Shop in Abergavenny as a volunteer, gives me the opportunity to help people with cancer, fundraising, collecting as much money as possible. Being part of a great team, makes me very proud of what we do.”

Nominator, Helen Evans, Cancer Research UK shops area manager for South Wales said: “Leigh’s hard work, positivity and commitment is unrivalled, and this award is so well deserved.

’’Our customers and supporters love meeting her and she is such an amazing ambassador for the charity.

“She lights up a room when she walks in and warms everyones hearts, she is a true inspriation.”

Sharne Lloyd, the manager of the Cancer Research UK shop in Abergavenny added “Leigh is a smashing young lady who dedicates her time to the shop. Her primary role is fundraising, but she adapts well to all tasks.

’’She is an excellent fundraiser, always with a smile and cheery manner. She lights up the shop and is a respected member of our team, with staff and customers alike. Leigh is a credit to the charity”.

But no one could be prouder than Leigh’s parents Kevin and Karen Hughes who she lives with in Abergavenny.

Dad Kevin said “It’s an unbelievable achievement’ we’re immensely proud of her, she’s so passionate about her work at the shop and the cause. You couldn’t meet a friendlier, or kinder person and this award is so well deserved, she is over the moon”

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 their fantastic work.

“Covid-19 has slowed us down but we will never stop. We are determined to continue our research to create better treatments for tomorrow.

’’Cancer Research UK has continued to work through world wars, recession and other periods of major disruption. We remain as focussed as ever on beating cancer and I want to thank everyone who has supported us through this time.

“Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work in to 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.”

Leigh was among a total of 61 individuals and groups from all across the UK recognised by the Flame of Hope awards and she was sent a trophy and a certificate (pictured) which she is thrilled with.

“These awards are our way of honouring incredible people like Leigh 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.”

For more information about Cancer Research UK visit cruk.org