Staff who support cancer patients in the St Helens area are celebrating after picking up an award for the care they provide.

The staff, who work in the Lilac Centre, a haematology and oncology day care unit based within St Helens Hospital, won the Commitment to the Community category of the Sam’s Diamonds Hero Awards

Sam’s Diamonds is a friendly support group for ladies as they journey through their cancer treatment and holds an annual awards event which this year took place at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium.

Lilac Centre Unit Manager, Victoria Kilshaw, said the staff were delighted to receive the award.

She said: “We were over the moon to hear that we had won this award. It means a lot to us because we know it is voted for by patients and that always makes things that bit more special.

“To hear their positive feedback is everything for us and we are very grateful to everyone who nominated us for the award.

“We had a number of nominations for awards on the evening which was fantastic to see.

“I am so proud of everyone who works here. They deserve all the praise they get.’’