AN INSPIRATIONAL volunteer from Ramsbottom has been highly commended by a national charity.

June Losack was one of more than 200 volunteers nominated at the annual Sue Ryder Awards which celebrate volunteers’ commitments and achievements.

The 77-year-old was “highly commended” in the Overcoming Obstacles Volunteer Award for her “priceless” contribution as sort-room volunteer at the charity’s shop in Ramsbottom.

Suzanne Shepherd, shop manager said: “June is the most inspirational person I know and I hope she is still a Sue Ryder girl for many more years.”

June has been volunteering for 20 years, since she her husband died in a car crash.

Despite living with multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s, she continues to work 9am until 5pm daily.

She welcomes and trains new volunteers, and surprises everyone with outrageous fancy dress.

June said: “Volunteering is just what I do, it’s no big deal.” Awards were presented to June and winners in eight other categories at the Dunchurch Park Hotel, Rugby.

Tracey Le Gallez, Sue Ryder head of volunteering, said: “Every one of our volunteers is invaluable to us and we can’t thank them enough for giving us their time and skills.

“So many people help us by volunteering in our shops, care centres and offices, and in their community. Without their support, we simply could not exist.”

Locally the charity provides expert care at Sue Ryder, Cuerden Hall, a specialist neurological centre in Preston for people with life-changing conditions affecting the brain and nervous system.

People who want to volunteer or make a donation to support the work of Sue Ryder, should call 01772 627374 or 0845 050 1953 or visit sueryder.org.