A volunteer who has dedicated more than a decade to supporting women with breast cancer has been nominated for an honorary Bristol University centenary degree.

Lynette Hopkins, from Brentry, north Bristol, is herself a breast cancer survivor and a founding member of support group for sufferers Bosom Buddies.

Lynette, who worked for 34 years in banking, set up the group after she was diagnosed in 1996 and found no support groups for women attached to the Bristol Royal Infirmary where she was treated.

Lynette, 63, was nominated by her husband, Barry Hopkins, who said he knows better than anyone the hours of effort that she dedicates to fundraising for the charity.

Mr Hopkins, 68, who has also suffered with cancer – non Hodgkin's lymphoma, said: "Lynette cares for and will help anyone she can, giving her time without question.

"She is a Bristolian, very proud of her home city.

"In 11 years, Bosom Buddies has raised £600,000, driven enthusiastically by Lynette who has been chair since the group started. Every three years she is reelected, after all who would want the job, Lynette is a hard act to follow.

"Lynette provides a hug, empathy, smiles, a coffee, whatever she can really and it boosts women's confidence especially because Lynette is a breast cancer survivor.

"Lynette takes members of Bosom Buddies to hospital appointments and chemotherapy in her own car and introduces new members to the Penny Brohn Cancer Care Centre as well as many other things.

"As well as keeping busy with fundraising for Bosom Buddies, Lynette is a carer to her 86-year-old mother.

"She is also an unpaid welfare officer for Barclays pensioners. There is no reward, financial or otherwise, in fact it costs her money and is a huge commitment on her time which is given willingly.

"I can think of no greater accolade than for her to be rewarded with this very special degree in Bristol."

Lynette said: "I was shocked when my husband said he wanted to nominate me but he said there is no better person because he knows how much time, energy and effort goes into everything I do.

"When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I knew the health care professionals would sort my body but my mind was in a whirl and I was going through so many emotions.

"I discovered there was no group attached to the BRI so I decided to start one up. It's grown unbelievably. We are a fun group. We have tears but we also organise events and have lunches with speakers or social events and we are very positive.

"It sounds like a funny thing to say but having cancer has really enriched my life because I have done things I never would have done before and met people I otherwise wouldn't have met."

The honorary degrees, which mark the centenary of the opening of Bristol University, will be awarded at a ceremony on July 15 to recognise people who have given extraordinary service to people within their community.

Nominations are now closed.