A cancer support centre in the grounds of West Middlesex Hospital was the big winner at this year's annual Hounslow Volunteer Awards.
The Mulberry Centre, in Isleworth, was named charity of the year at a lavish ceremony held by Volunteer Centre Hounslow at the Radisson Blu Heathrow on Friday 13 June.
It was one of eight winners on a night which gave Hounslow's army of usually unsung heroes, who keep the borough running without asking for a penny in return, their well-deserved moment in the spotlight.
Taz Nagra, director of Volunteer Centre Hounslow, said: "The volunteers here tonight are just a small representation of the work that goes on in the borough of Hounslow. They make me proud to be part of that community."
The Mulberry Centre, which relies almost entirely on donations, received £2,000 towards its work supporting those with cancer and their families.
There was also a well-earned trip to Paris for Jane Griffiths, who was named Volunteer of the Year for her work with Hounslow Community Foodbox, which has provided food to some 2,000 people since being set up last year.
Hosted by Sky News presenter Lorna Dunkley, the spirit of the evening was captured when many of those present, winners and 'losers' alike, took to the dance floor together at the end of the night.
Martin Seymour, Volunteer Centre Hounslow's infrastructure officer, said it worked with about 300 charities and not-for-profit organisations across the borough, providing some 2,000 volunteers each year.
As well as helping those charities with their work, he added, the volunteers were able to build their confidence and gain useful skills, which had in many cases helped them find paid employment.
* For more information about volunteering opportunities in the borough, call 020 3096 4230, drop into Volunteer Centre Hounslow's offices on the second floor of the Treaty Centre, in Hounslow High Street any weekday from 10am to 3pm or visit www.volunteerhounslow.org.uk
