Inspiring Macmillan volunteers at Antrim Hospital honoured for bereavement support to grieving families

Volunteer Coordinator Sharon with volunteers, Helen and Clodagh and Macmillan Cancer Support’s Chief Executive Gemma Peters at the awards ceremony

Four volunteers who help families through the heartbreak of losing a loved one to cancer at Antrim Hospital have been recognised for the compassion and comfort they provide during some of life’s most difficult moments.

The Macmillan Unit Bereavement Call Service team at Antrim Hospital were named runners up in the Thanks To You Awards, organised by Macmillan Cancer Support to celebrate the work of volunteers and supporters across the community.

Since launching in November 2024, the service has supported more than 150 families across Antrim and the surrounding area, offering emotional support, practical guidance and a reassuring voice after bereavement.

Providing comfort after loss

Volunteers Helen Kernahan, Anne Orr, Mandy Bones and Clodagh Elliott make follow-up calls to families whose loved ones have died from cancer in the Macmillan Unit.

The calls are designed to ensure grieving families do not feel isolated or forgotten after leaving hospital care.

As well as offering a listening ear, the volunteers provide information about support available through Macmillan Cancer Support and other local organisations.

All four women were already volunteering within the Macmillan Unit before joining the Bereavement Call Service when it launched last year.

Macmillan said each volunteer brought “experience, compassion and calm presence” to the role, helping the service quickly become an important part of support offered through the hospital unit.

Clodagh Elliott said being part of the service allows volunteers to continue supporting families after the death of a loved one.

“It’s such a privilege to be part of the Macmillan Bereavement Call Service team as it allows us to continue the work we started in the unit while we were caring for their loved ones and ensure they feel supported after their loss.”

Helen Kernahan added: “Sometimes people just need to talk to someone different.

“To share a memory, to cry, or just to have someone listen. If that small thing brings even a little comfort, then it’s worth everything.”

Recognition for compassion and dedication

Sharon O’Donnell and Nicola McAleese, Macmillan Volunteer Coordinators at Antrim Hospital, praised the volunteers for the empathy and dedication they bring to families dealing with grief.

“We are delighted that Mandy, Anne, Helen and Clodagh have been recognised in this way for the compassion, empathy and kindness they show during the calls,” they said.

“Their strength, resilience and dedication really enhance the quality of care and support we provide at such a difficult time following bereavement and sometimes lengthy illnesses.”

Chris Parker, Head of Volunteering at Macmillan Cancer Support, said the impact of the calls on families cannot be underestimated.

“On behalf of everyone at Macmillan, I want to extend a huge thank you to the volunteer Bereavement Call Service team at Antrim Hospital.

“Their calls make such a difference to bereaved families – holding time and space for them to share both the emotions and practical challenges that grief can bring.

“I’d also like to thank all of our amazing volunteers across Northern Ireland for their compassion and the selfless work they do. We simply could not do what we do for people living with cancer without them.”

New Macmillan support centre planned for Antrim Hospital

The Bereavement Call Service is one of several Macmillan support services available to people affected by cancer in Northern Ireland.

Work has also begun on a new Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Antrim Hospital, which is expected to open in Spring 2027.

The centre will provide patients and families with practical help, emotional support and trusted cancer information in a dedicated welcoming space within the hospital.

Macmillan Cancer Support said its nurses, advisers, professionals and volunteers continue to provide free support for people living with or affected by cancer across the UK through support lines, online services and healthcare sites.

For more information about local Macmillan services, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 0000 for confidential cancer support.