A group of volunteers are making an outstanding contribution to the community - and that's official!

The complementary therapy service at Bradford Cancer Support has been highly commended in The Complementary and Alternative Medicine Awards 2008, a prestigious national competition for complementary and alternative practitioners.

And now more volunteers are needed to come forward to help them continue the good work.

The Bradford service, which provides a range of therapies for people affected by cancer and their carers, was nominated in the outstanding contribution to the community' section, by the complementary therapy service's co-ordinators Janet Thogersen and Pat Bryden.

Judges were impressed by the impact the complementary therapy service has in supporting people with cancer and also by proposals for a randomised controlled study on the effects of aromatherapy on the well-being of women who have had surgery for breast cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy.

Janet said: "It is exciting because it is not for us, it is for the service which relies on volunteers."

Last year 12 volunteers provided 446 individual therapy sessions to cancer patients and their carers.

Therapies include aromatherapy, reflexology, massage, Indian head massage, hypnotherapy, Reiki and Bowen Technique, which is a gentle hands on therapy which encourages the body to rebalance itself.

After six free sessions all clients are asked to fill in an evaluation report and comments include: l "Losing my mum has been the hardest part of my life and this has helped me"

l "As well as improving general well-being and relaxation, it has helped with nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy"

l "I could not afford such help and have benefited from your support".

Janet and Pat are both looking forward to moving into Bradford Cancer Support's new building, which is now taking shape in Smith Lane. It is being built thanks to the Daisy Appeal which will end in May and has £73,000 left to raise to reach the £1.4 million target.

Building is due to be completed by the end of summer and the new centre will provide the therapy service with two rooms instead of one.

As a result more volunteers are needed, who have to have a nationally recognised qualification in their therapy.

Volunteers are also needed for a new Breast Cancer Care service called HeadStrong, which is a free advisory service offering information and support on hair loss due to cancer treatment.

"We have volunteers from all walks of life and they all receive on-going support from us," said Pat.

"We would like to hear from people who are good listeners and have the heart to help people going through chemotherapy and hair loss."

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer contact Pat or Janet at Bradford Cancer Support on (01274) 776688.