AN inspirational volunteer who was crowned one of the Tele's first ever community champions is now helping to lead a vital service for cancer patients.

Gran Rachel Way won the hearts of our judges with her tale of triumph over tragedy to help the homeless, domestic abuse victims and other vulnerable people.

Now she is at the heart of a growing project to help people with cancer, run from community care forum Your Voice's health hub.

Rachel, a volunteer in the Macmillan info and connect team, says she enjoys giving up her own time to help those affected by the disease, by lending an ear and finding help for them.

The Greenock woman said: "It is mainly about listening.

"People just want you to listen to what they have to say.

"We help give them information on who can help them and point them in the right direction.

"Sometimes it is family members who come along to speak to us - people need help for all different reasons, it can be financially or even just looking for groups they can attend.

"We refer people to great classes like the Move More exercise sessions run in Greenock Sports Centre."

Rachel helps support the group along with Julie Gillan and Liz Montague of Your Voice.

The kind hearted Greenock woman was nominated in our annual awards a few years ago for her volunteer work.

Mum-of-four Rachel had suffered personal tragedies, including an abusive marriage and the death of her daughter, but was determined to help others.

The former auxiliary nurse first started volunteering as a cook helping feed the homeless 30 years ago.

Since then she has devoted her life to charity work and become a key member of the team at the Your Voice hub in Clyde Square.

The Macmillan Cancer service she is now involved in offers all sorts of advice and access to a range of support services.

Sessions take place on Tuesdays in Port Glasgow Library (1.30 to 3.30pm), Wednesdays in Cardwell Garden Centre Gourock (1 to 3pm) and on Thursdays (1.30 to 3.30pm) in Your Voice.

To find out more call 728628.