Mark Solan, founder of the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust, has been awarded a Points of Light award for his work in helping County Durham families affected by cancer.
Local MP, Helen Goodman, presented Mark with his award on Friday 22nd March on behalf of the Prime Minister.
The daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers and highlights people from across the country who are making a change in their community.
Mark set up the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust to support people affected by cancer in County Durham.
They provide advice services and relaxation rooms for cancer patients and their families.
The Trust offer small grants to improve wellbeing and quality of life, helping with anything from providing wigs for patients undergoing chemotherapy to funding new clothing, household bills, short breaks away, or trips to a beautician.
Speaking about the award, Mark said: “To receive recognition for helping local families going through what my family experienced due to a cancer diagnosis leaves me feeling both very proud and very humbled.
“To see how my small community have rallied around to support me in my quest to help those in need is nothing short of inspirational, and it’s from the support that I receive and the help that I give that I find my inspiration and motivation to do what we do every day.”
Ms Goodman said: “I’m very pleased that Mark is being recognised for his wonderful work with the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust.
“What started out as a fundraising event in 2015 has since snowballed into an amazing charity, doing much-valued work in the community, which I have seen first-hand.
“Through his work with the Trust, Mark has made an extraordinary impact on families affected by cancer in County Durham and I am delighted that he has received this Points of Light Award.”
In a personal letter to Mark, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “The success of the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust, in memory of your mother and grandmother, is a testament to your passion and dedication to improve the lives of those living with cancer.
“Your grants are giving patients and their families access to important services which improve wellbeing, and you should feel extremely proud of the different you are making in their lives.”
The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust operate boutiques in Spennymoor and Ferryhill.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
