“Volunteer Week is a big week for Cancer Council,” she said.

“We run many professional services and we’ve busier than we’ve ever been with more dynamic programs, but, we can’t do anything like that without our volunteers.

“Volunteers work right across our business, from driving patients to treatment, to working in the support centre, greeting people, and preparing food.

“They are the lifeblood of Cancer Council, so we really appreciate all of the work that they do.”

Volunteer Sandy Silvers said she became involved with the council after her life was touched by cancer, both through two husbands and through her own experience.

“I just wanted to give something back,” she said.

“It really makes you feel good.”

Ms Silvers said volunteer celebrations “make you feel appreciated”.

“But you don’t need that, because you get that when a client says thank-you, or thanks for caring. That’s the most important thing,” she said.

“I would say to anyone that’s retired, [volunteering] gives you a big purpose in life.”