A LEUKAEMIA sufferer who founded a support group for people affected by cancer has received a signed letter from the Prime Minister commending her inspirational work helping others.

Theresa May sent the letter to Allison White, from Newton Aycliffe, together with a Points of Light award which recognises outstanding volunteers who make a difference in their community.

The 40-year-old has been fighting a rare form of the leukaemia since her diagnosis in 2009 but, despite this, has dedicated the last two-and-half years to supporting those who are seriously or terminally ill via the Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group (GACSG).

A personal letter from the PM said: “Through the GACSG you are providing a valuable network for your people in your community and providing assistance when they are at their most vulnerable. You should be proud of the fundraising you have undertaken to help people with the illness and your commendable work to ensure that they do not face cancer alone.”

Every week day the Prime Minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the Daily Point of Light award and Miss White is the 781st recipient.

The honour recognises not only Miss White’s support group work, but the fundraising she undertook between 2009 and 2014 which saw her raise almost £15,000 for cancer charities.

Miss White, who suffers from a range debilitating effects from treatment, has also raised more than £15,000 for the group’s 100 members based across County Durham , Darlington and North Yorkshire. She also oversees a patient transport service and an initiative where members of the group, along with their loved ones, can take an all-expenses-paid holiday to a donated caravan in nearby Redcar.

On receiving the award, she dedicated it to her mother Barbara, adding: “To receive this award is amazing. The last few months have been very tough – not only did I lose my mam but she was also my best friend and she would’ve been so proud.

“She got me through all these years so I pay tribute to my mam. Thank you to everyone else who has helped me over the years, both family and members of the group. I run this group so other cancer patients don’t have to go through what I did but it’s still exciting to win an award to be recognised for what I have achieved.”