VOLUNTEERING has helped to transform not just the life of Celia Brooks, but hundreds of families who have seriously ill children.

The 30-year-old, from Clayton, joined charity Caudwell Children in October 2007 as a volunteer after suffering various health problems.

She now clocks-up more than 40 hours a month working in the charity's applications department and allocating funding to families who need help.

It has helped her confidence, boosted her office skills and made her learn more about fund-raising.

Celia, who does not work, and who lives on Leaswood Place, said: "Volunteering has given me a fantastic opportunity to increase my confidence and help brush-up on old skills while learning new ones as well.

"I enjoy what I do and it is fantastic to see all the work the charity does and what a difference it makes to children and their families."

Caudwell Children, based in Stoke, provides treatment, therapy and specialist equipment to sick and disabled youngsters throughout the UK.

Celia helps to process applications submitted by families and checks whether they fit the charity's criteria.

In the past, she has also helped out with collections and bag packing at supermarkets.

But it is her commitment to staying late to get the job done and the way she takes on extra shifts to cover other people's holidays that has won her praise from charity staff.

They have now nominated Celia in the Volunteer of the Year category in The Sentinel's Our Heroes awards.

Applications manager Lisa Bates said: "Celia is one of the applications team's most treasured assets.

"She has been a valuable member of the department for more than two years and, over this time, we have seen her skills and confidence grow.

"Not only is she empathetic with families, but her commitment is boundless and we are always able to call on her when extra help is needed.

"She is a treasure and I don't know what we would do without her."

Celia added: "Working late and helping out is something I do instinctively because I enjoy what I do.

"I am shocked to be nominated for an award but pleasantly surprised.

"It is nice to know they appreciate the things I do."

Celia says her message to others thinking out taking up volunteering is to go for it.

She said: "I have met a couple of the children and families that the charity has helped.

"They are always very grateful for providing equipment they otherwise may not have been able to afford.

"Volunteering is certainly something that is rewarding and that can open other avenues for you as well as teaching you new skills and helping you to meet new people."