A CANCER support charity in Hereford is now a nationally recognised centre which provides an excellent standard of free complementary cancer care.

The Yeleni Therapy and Support centre in Blackfriars Street has been awarded a Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM).

In meeting the MQEM standards, the centre is welcoming, respectful, supportive and gives a choice to the people using the service.

Herefordshire's Lord Lieutenant Lady Darnley unveiled the mark's plaque at the centre in the reception area.

The charity held a private awards ceremony which Mayor of Hereford Susan Boulter attended, along with guests who have played a part in the charity’s growth and development over the past eight years.

Nicky Heath, charity founder and CEO, said: "It is a tremendous achievement to have attained such a high level of recognition for our free complementary cancer care as we are only the second place in Herefordshire to hold one of these Macmillan Quality Environment Marks, the other being up at The County Hospital in the Macmillan Renton Unit.

"We provide a tailor made programme of free complementary therapies plus ongoing support via self help groups, classes and workshops for local people with any cancer, any age, at any stage.

"We are a small, local, independent charity who are entirely self-funded. We receive no government, council or Macmillan funding and we rely entirely upon grants, donations and sponsorships."

There are approximately 7,500 people who are currently living with cancer in Herefordshire and the centre would like to provide support to as many of these people as possible.

If you would like to support the centre go to yelenisupport.co.uk or email info@yelenisupport.co.uk.