Denice Samuel, survivor and volunteer in the Menphys shop

Denice Samuel used to be a customer in the Menphys shop. Now she spends eight hours a week working there.

“I do it because I enjoy raising money for the Menphys children,” says Dee, who says knowing that people appreciate what she does makes her happy.

“I feel a real benefit from knowing that I am raising money.”

Dee’s voluntary efforts for Menphys are not limited to her shifts on Mondays and Wednesdays pricing clothing and sorting donations for display and sale; she donates items for sale.

The hours suit Dee, who has two sons, the youngest of whom is 10 years old.

Her most memorable moment is 7am on July 24, 2005. That’s when she had an operation for breast cancer. She’s had other treatments since – not all of which have gone smoothly - and now has been declared clear.

“Some people are afraid of cancer. I just wanted the tumour out, so I could get on with my life. I wasn’t going to let it beat me,” says the vivacious mum, with a wide smile.