CELEBRATIONS are in order for cancer support charity SWELL which has just been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

The news of the coveted award, which celebrates the outstanding work of local volunteer groups across the UK, was revealed last night (Wednesday).

Founded and managed on a voluntary basis by local people cancer patients, SWELL (Supported We Live Life) aims to connect with people affected by cancer throughout the Fermanagh area, and provide the support services and ‘Social Medicine’ they may  need. Everyone is affected by cancer in different ways and the diversity of the services provided reflects this.

It has grown exponentially in the last six years thanks to the tireless efforts of trustees, volunteers, counsellors and therapists.

"We are truly blown away to be receiving this award," said founder, Genevieve Irvine. “It's equivalent to an MBE and it is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK.”

“To be recognised in this manner is wonderful and a huge honour. I am so proud of our volunteers. This recognition is testimony to the amazing voluntary work they do, helping others who been affected by cancer.”

SWELL is a unique charity that provides crucial support to cancer patients in a non-clinical environment, and all of its volunteers have first-hand experience of the devastating impacts of a cancer diagnosis.

"These are people who are tirelessly helping local people with their diagnosis and having gone through it themselves only makes it more exceptional", Genevieve continued.

“All have been affected by cancer, and some of our volunteers even have an incurable diagnosis; yet they still show up and do all they can to help support others.

“They are nothing short of inspirational; yet they will always say, 'No, I don’t do an awful lot.' They are very modest. I am very grateful to them all."

Much like any grassroots charity, SWELL had humble beginnings. It was founded in 2018 by Genevieve  following her own cancer diagnosis.

"When I was diagnosed, I realized that there was help in larger cancer centres, but it would mean travelling to Belfast or Altnagelvin," she said. "There was simply nothing on my doorstep. I just wanted to meet someone in the same situation as myself, have a coffee, and a chat.

“It was not just for my mental health, but companionship, and to know that you’re not alone. When you’re recovering from treatment and life is getting back to normal, taking six hours out of your day for therapies just isn’t feasible. I wanted something local and easily accessible that suited the needs of people in this county.

"I felt that if I needed that, someone else needed it too. I never set out thinking it would turn into what we have today.”

Indeed, the growth of SWELL in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable.

A range of services are offered from the centre at Cross Street, Enniskillen, including workshops, physical activity, support groups, counselling, and complementary therapy. A popular charity shop also supports the running of the charity, which has seen immense support from the local community.

"It's gone from me wanting to meet someone for a cup of coffee to having a centre that's open five days a week. Last year, we supported 858 clients."

"We couldn't do what we do without our volunteers, and I am thankful to every one of them. For some of them to be ill and to have gone through the trauma of being affected by cancer, and to want to give back to their community makes me think what a fabulous and  amazing group they all are.”

I appreciate them coming in every day, regardless of how they feel. This award is a huge thanks and recognition to them.”

Genevieve also paid tribute to the local community for their generous donations and continued support.

Looking to the future, Genevieve remarked: "We want to continue doing what we are doing now, and doing it to the best of our ability. Ideally, we would like the shop to sustain what we do here."

She concluded: "I would like to give a huge word of thanks to everyone who has made this award possible - our nominator, volunteers, therapists, trustees, and, of course, everyone who supports SWELL through such generous donations."