A CANCER survivor has spent the last 14 years dedicating himself to volunteering for The Christie.

Carl Sharpe, of Liverpool Road, Hindley, was treated at the specialist cancer centre after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1998 and his wife Pat has also been a patient treated for breast cancer. Carl founded the fundraising group Christie Champions in 2000 which has raised £493,103 and he has been Chairman ever since.

Volunteers like Carl are being given special thanks by The Christie as the organisation marks the 30th anniversary of National Volunteers’ Week, an annual event to celebrate the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK.

Carl, aged 59, said: “It’s a full time job really but I do it to say thanks for the treatment I received. The Christie means so much to us, my wife and I were both treated there, along with other members of our family and friends.

“I can’t give enough back, which is why I continue to volunteer. I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who continues to volunteer and be a member of the Christie Champions group – I couldn’t do it without you, and of course to the public who continue to donate so generously.”

Over the years the former HGV driver has volunteered in the cancer information centre at The Christie, collected donations, given speeches and helped out at annual events.

He can often be spotted cheering on riders during the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride or encouraging runners at the Great Manchester Run charity village.

Interim chief executive at The Christie, Roger Spencer, said: “Our volunteers are such an important part of The Christie. Without their continued dedication and support we simply wouldn’t be able to maintain the excellent reputation we’re renowned for.”