Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence is not just for businesses: local charity and cultural organisations also have the chance to shine.

The Award for Charity, Cultural and Social Enterprise and the Award for Volunteer of the Year are two awards that can give them the chance to raise their profile, tell everyone what they have achieved, or simply thank all those who have helped them or donated to them.

The Award for Charity, Cultural and Social Enterprise was won last year by Manx Breast Cancer Support Group for their achievements.

Despite the fact they are all unpaid volunteers with full time jobs and businesses, the group raised enough money to build and equip one of the finest specialist breast units in the British Isles, at Noble’s Hospital. They also helped to establish, and have fitted out, quiet rooms at Ronaldsway and Liverpool John Lennon airports for the use of anyone travelling on the patient transfer service. All of the money they raise is spent in the island.

The committee, most of whom are breast cancer survivors themselves, continue to fundraise for equipment and services that will help to provide the best possible care for cancer patients in the island.

Chairman Julie Stokes said: ’This was the award we all wanted to win. We are so proud of all that we have achieved and the award summed up the hard work everyone has put in. It was just fantastic.’

The award for Volunteer of the Year was won by Sylvia and Les Lawrinson who were nominated by the Samaritans for their long service - 90 years between them - to the charity. They continue to act as listening volunteers today, offering emotional support to callers in distress or despair.

They have also been part of the team from the Samaritans who visit the prison and are allowed access to talk to prisoners one to one basis.

Sylvia said they were happy to have their names put forward because it would help to encourage other people to volunteer for the charity. She added: ’The award was for the whole Isle of Man branch, not just us.’

lWould you like to raise the profile of your charity or cultural organisation? Do you know a dedicated volunteer you would like to volunteer for an award? You can find more information about all the award categories at this year’s Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence at www.excellence-awards.im