A SINGER who survived cancer has been honoured after raising more than £10,000 for Willowbrook Hospice.

Classically trained soprano Lynn Jones organises a charity concert every year and performs at the annual memorial service and three Light Up A Life services in December.

The 66-year-old, from Rainhill, volunteered her singing services after being cared for at the hospice’s day therapy centre as part of her treatment for ovarian cancer in 2009.

Lynn was among 40 volunteers recognised at the Willowbrook long service awards ceremony.

BBC News presenters Roger Johnson and Diane Oxberry joined in the celebrations.

The Mayor of Knowsley Cllr Frank Walsh, presented the awards to staff and volunteers who have amassed five, 10, 15, 20 or 25 years of service.

Lynn said: “When I was a patient at the hospice I honestly couldn’t fault it!

!People think going to a hospice will be depressing but it’s anything but! “Attending day therapy was so uplifting! The staff there were fantastic and I made some great friends.

“I’m proud to volunteer my singing services to the hospice. It’s my way of giving back to them for the wonderful care they offered to me and to all the other local people they’ve supported over the years.

!Performing is something I love doing and I will keep singing for Willowbrook til I drop!”

Stalwart supporter, Lady Kirsty Pilkington who was part of the initial Willowbrook steering committee in 1991 and has remained a driving force throughout the development the hospice was also honoured.

Ian Turnbull, volunteer co-ordinator at the hospice, said: “Without people like Lynn and all the other volunteers at the hospice we wouldn’t be able to provide all the services that we offer.

“We have volunteers in every department at the hospice – from reception, to gardening to housekeeping, fundraising or working in our charity shops.

“Our annual awards ceremony is our way of recognising all the hard work that both staff and volunteers do throughout the year to help us keep caring for people across St Helens and Knowsley.”

For information on volunteering at Willowbrook call 0151 430 8736 or e-mail help@willowbrookhospice.org.uk.