THE Lilac Centre, which has been caring for cancer patients in the borough for 25 years, received a standing ovation from the crowd as it picked up the Solarcrown Pride of St Helens Award on Friday night.

The centre, which is housed in St Helens Hospital, cares for more than 250 individuals per week through the darkest times of their lives.

Initially opening in Whiston Hospital in 1992, the centre has helped save and prolong many lives, and in its 25th anniversary year is being celebrated by staff and patients, both past and present.

Chemotherapy lead nurse Jeanette Ribton accepted the award alongside the centre’s cancer services manager Pat Gillis and ward manager Lindsey Ditchfield.

Jeanette said: “We are absolutely speechless because of the other deserving people in this category – we were totally humbled to be nominated, never mind win it.

“To have our patients and people in St Helens vote for us is amazing.

“We will continue to do all we can to help the people of St Helens and this award will take pride of place on the unit for all to see.”

Pat added: “Everything we do on the ward has been to help our patients and build a rapport with everyone, so we are proud to have won this.

“We truly are speechless.”

Lindsey said: “We are extremely lucky to win this and would like to thank everyone, including our patients, who voted for us.

“Everyone’s life has been touched by cancer in some way and we all aim as a team to help our patients, and their families, through extremely difficult times in their lives.

“That is why winning this award means so much to us, because we love what we do.”