Cork Cancer Care Centre is the latest winner of the Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Award. The centre offers support, advice and a shoulder to lean on to people touched by cancer.

The centre is located on St Paul’s Avenue in Cork City. A team of dedicated volunteers, therapists and counsellors provide a range of services free of charge to help people cope with the initial diagnosis as well as the side effects and after effects of cancer treatment.

Cork Cancer Care Centre provides one-to-one counselling sessions, nutrition advice from an oncology nurse, gentle yoga classes, and group coaching from a cancer recovery coach. It also organises weekly peer support groups, for people to find solace, encouragement and friendships with others who are going through similar experiences.

It began in 2011 as The Girls Club, however the demand for services continued to grow with both women and men availing of a range of services including acupuncture, reflexology, reiki, massage and one-to-one counselling sessions. The charity changed its name to Cork Cancer Care Centre in 2017.

General Manager of the Cork International Hotel, Eoghan Murphy said; "We are incredibly honoured to present this month’s Community Spirit Award to Cork Cancer Care Centre. They were nominated by a young mum who availed of support after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She describes the centre as a safe, nurturing space, where she was understood, could talk freely about cancer, and they knew exactly what she needed. So many people are touched by cancer every year and organisations like this are vital. Their unwavering commitment to providing essential support and care to those facing cancer is truly remarkable. We applaud their dedication and tireless efforts to help individuals and families through their toughest times ensuring that no one faces cancer alone."

Nominations are now open for next month's awards here.