A BARRY breast cancer campaigner has been recognised for her work in lowering hospital waiting times at the 2015 Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Pam Allinson, who has been treated for breast cancer, was presented with her award at the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) event, at The Pierhead, Cardiff Bay, on Thursday, June 18.

She was one of the 17 individuals and groups whose work in dedicating thousands of hours of their time to helping others was rewarded at the ceremony hosted by WCVA Vice-President, Tom Jones OBE.

Winners in the six nomination categories of trustees, international volunteers, adults, groups, ‘green’ volunteers and young people were presented with their awards by event sponsor Lesley Griffiths AM, minister for communities and tackling poverty.

Pam, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2003, has achieved policy change at the highest level.

Rachel Hodson, community engagement officer for Breast Cancer Campaign and Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity, the UK’s largest breast cancer research charity, said Pam had been “extraordinarily active” in the breast cancer community in Wales.

She has spent countless hours lobbying and influencing politicians and health professionals and her work on referral waiting times has seen her meet health ministers and top cancer specialists in the Welsh NHS.

Pam, as a trained Breakthrough representative, has also given health awareness talks to educate both women and men on how to reduce their risk of breast cancer and how to check for the signs and symptoms, as well as providing information about the latest breast cancer research to many groups and individuals.

Before her campaign, women with urgent suspected breast cancer faced a wait to see a specialist of up to six weeks. Now all women referred urgently are expected to be seen within 10 working days.

Pam also organises meetings in Barry for support group, Cardiff & Vale Breastfriends, which provides emotional and practical support to members experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis.

Rachel Hodson added: “Her incredible volunteering aims to help everyone affected by breast cancer in Wales in some way.”

Before she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Pam was a primary school teacher, but due to complications after her treatment and other health issues, she had to take early retirement.

Pam said: “I still wanted to be active in the community and through volunteering with Breakthrough Breast Cancer, I was able to take forward issues I was concerned about and hopefully help improve the situation for people diagnosed with breast cancer in Wales.

“I feel very humbled to receive this award. The third sector, particularly in the area of health, provides so much extra support for patients.

“I know lots of people who give a great deal of their time to volunteer with charities - supporting others, campaigning for the best deal for those with health issues and raising vital funds for research.

“This award is for all of them, too - a recognition of the amazing voluntary work that goes on in Wales every day.”

WCVA chief executive, Ruth Marks said: “Wales is a nation of volunteers who give their time and energy to make our country a better place to live. Recognising the work of volunteers is an important step to creating strong and vibrant Welsh communities.”