Dorothy’s legacy earns royal honour
STUART PIKE
HYNDBURN’S council leader has saluted the “marvellous” work of Maundy Relief during the coronavirus crisis, following this month’s announcement of their Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service win.
The highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK, it has also been seen as a fitting tribute to the legacy of late founder Dorothy McGregor.
Maundy Relief operates as both a “first port of call” and a “last resort” for many people. As a wellknown organisation embedded in the local community, people contact them for a myriad of reasons: help with furniture, household goods and food; counselling for those in mental distress; welcome, hospitality and companionship for the lonely; advice and informal advocacy for those struggling with bureaucracy or those who slip through the net of statutory services; group activities and training for those ready to move on in their lives.
Maundy has also been a key part of the Hyndburn Hub, helping vulnerable people during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Lucy Hardwick, Maundy Relief manager, said: “Everyone at Maundy Relief is delighted, grateful and deeply honoured to have been awarded a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Volunteers are at the heart of all we do - our founder Dorothy McGregor gave her time freely and without seeking reward and she inspired countless others to do the same. Even during the current pandemic, we have many volunteers still giving their time doing everything from delivering food parcels to offering remote counselling and benefit advice. All of them are motivated by a desire to help their local community and we take our hats off to each and every one of them.”
Maundy Relief will receive the award from Lord Shuttleworth, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, later this summer – subject to Covid 19 restrictions. Two volunteers will be invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham
Palace in May 2021, along with other recipients of this year’s award.
Council leader Miles Parkinson OBE said: “Congratulations to Maundy Relief. Each and every day they live up to their mission of providing an immediate response to those in need. They have always been valued and appreciated here in the borough and never more so than during the Coronavirus crisis when their volunteers have also been a vital part of the Hyndburn Hub, helping our most vulnerable residents at a time of great need. It’s wonderful that the work of this marvellous organisation has now been recognised nationally with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, it is extremely well deserved.”
Our readers also paid tribute to Dorothy and the charity on our Facebook page.
Rebeka Fogg said: “Dorothy’s legacy - well done to all x”
Olive Reah said: “Dorothy was [a] wonderful lady, she would be so proud.”
Gayle Rogan added: “Well deserved for all you do.”