Donna Hurley, 46, is a Macmillan nurse, chairperson of the Mark McCarthy’s Magic Moments charity and leads a support group for cancer patients. The Dagenham mother of twins also finds time to do her bit for the troops in Afghanistan, as well as being a dedicated West Ham United supporter.

I started fundraising with Mark McCarthy’s Magic Moments charity 12 years ago.

They asked me to do a parachute jump which I agreed to. From then I’ve sat on the committees and now I am the chairwoman of the committee.

About the same time I helped with cancer services at King George and Queen’s Hospital which then got me interested in becoming a Macmillan nurse. I also run cancer support groups in the evenings.

Mark McCarthy’s Magic Moments provides support for cancer patients and cares for them.

To do this you have to be emotionally charged to look after them and provide them with everything they need.

I think I can relate to the patients because my mum fought with cancer, which she recovered from.

The network of the charity includes mothers and husbands and partners of the patients, children and elderly.

We help those struggling and give them a positive insight on the issue.

What I like doing best is the Christmas pampering session.

It shows the patients someone is thinking and caring for them. Sometimes, the Christmas pampering session is the only present most of them are given.

A little boy opened a present and said: “Nanny, we’ve got chocolates.” It made a big difference to him and made me very happy to see that.

We also go on trips which allow patients to build a relationship with fellow cancer sufferers.

I manage it all by working hard and devoting my free time to charity; my holidays and my weekends.

Throughout the year I make boxes to give to the soldiers in Afghanistan because I believe you should support those who support you.

I’ve got a season ticket to West Ham games and this is what I call ‘my time’. It never gets interrupted. It gives me a chance to get away from the stress.

If you’re passionate about something you need to show your passion.

I do the charity work because I love it.