A DEDICATED worker has been honoured at a special awards ceremony for giving more than 30 years service to The Christie hospital.

Caroline Moss, aged 53, from Astley Bridge, was recognised at the specialist cancer centre’s annual long service awards to thank those who have had 10, 20 or 30 years continuous service.

BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull was guest of honour at the event and presented winners with their awards.

Mrs Moss started at The Christie in 1983 as a personal secretary and continues to provide secretarial and personal assistant support to The Christie’s directors as assistant company secretary.

She said: “I worked at St Mary’s hospital for four years before stating at The Christie in 1983 when it was then known as the Christie Hospital and Holt Radium Institute. The Christie has since gone from strength to strength.

“I really love working here, it’s a fantastic organisation and I feel privileged to have worked here for so many years. I am immensely proud to be part of the team.”

She has also been a patient at The Christie after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2011. She underwent chemotherapy and is now in remission. She added: “I received exceptional care.

“We are extremely lucky to have such a wonderful hospital in the North West.”

Mr Turnbull has to become a valued supporter of The Christie, having hosted a charity lunch to raise funds. He will also be taking part in the Great Manchester Run for the hospital next month.

He said: “It is an organisation that inspires loyalty, commitment and pride and all of these traits were represented wonderfully by the long service recipients today. Each brings something special to their role and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to meet and speak with such caring and dedicated individuals.”

About 60 members and staff and volunteers were recognised at the event, collectively dedicating more than 1,200 years to The Christie.

Interim chief executive Roger Spencer said: “It makes us very proud to recognise the long–standing support and hard work of so many of our staff and volunteers. That level of continuity is vital in helping us progress our services and our patients benefit massively from their dedication. They all thoroughly deserve this recognition.”