Lorraine is patron and spokesperson for so many local and national charities that she has recently been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Dundee, for all her good work. Here are some of the UK charities that mean the world to her.

The Moonwalk

Lorraine's been a huge advocate of this event that was launched in 2002 to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. It involves a 26-mile walk around a city with the twist being that the thousands of women who take part have to wear a bra and start walking at midnight. Lorraine has completed eight Moonwalks and aims to finish her ninth at the end of June. In 2008, Moonwalks around the country raised almost £10 million. If you want to take part in a Moonwalk or want more details go to www.walkthewalk.org

Association for International Cancer Research
'Everyone knows someone who has been told that they have cancer,' says Lorraine. 'Many loved ones do not survive and the gap they leave in our lives can never be filled. But, thanks to pioneering research, many more people are being successfully treated and cured. The Association for International Cancer Research (AICR), through funding the best scientists, is making huge progress towards detecting, treating and preventing the disease.' For more information go to www.aicr.org.uk

 The Eve Appeal
'I have been inspired by the amazing women I've met through The Eve Appeal who have faced ovarian cancer,' says Lorraine. 'Many said they felt under the weather, but they were too busy to go to the doctor. They were all at the stage in their lives where they should have been enjoying themselves, but instead, they were having to deal with this horrendous disease. Ovarian cancer doesn't have to be a death sentence. Detect it quickly and you have a good chance; that's all any of us can hope for.' For more about ovarian
and other gynaecological cancers, visit www.eveappeal.org.uk