A Loughton woman who founded the friends of St Clare's Hospice has spoken of her pride after receiving her 15 year service award.

Mrs Marilyn Coleclough, 68, from Sandford Avenue was given the award at a huge thankyou lunch to people who have helped raised cash for the Hastingwood hospice.

Mrs Coleclough decided to set up the group after she lost her husband, George, a district scout commander, to a brain tumour in 1993.

Over the years the group has raised £160,000 and Marilyn uged everyone to do their bit.

She said: "I went to a meeting where they said they desperately needed more funding but there was no one in the Loughton area to raise cash for them. I put my hand up and forgot to take it down."

"The community around here is brilliant, i've never had a refusal. the people are heart and soul of the hospice."

She is now looking forward to her next big event the Sunflower Ball on Saturday September 12 , which last year raised £11,000 in one evening.

St Clare's Chief Executive Richard Cowie said: "There is a financial saving to the work that our volunteers undertake, but they bring so much more to St Clare than just that.

"They bring life into the building, and the staff love working with such a mix of people, ages and backgrounds.

"I would like to thank each and every volunteer for all they bring to St Clare.”

To find out more about volunteering visit www.stclare-hospice.co.uk To join the Loughton friends of St Clare call 020 8508 6115.