Royal honour for Caroline at Charles’s garden party
AMACMILLAN professional from Skelmersdale was a guest at Prince Charles’s 70th birthday patronage celebration in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.
Caroline Flynn, Macmillan information and support service manager for West Lancashire, represented Macmillan Cancer Support at the event dedicated to the achievements of The Prince of Wales’s patronages, military affiliations and other charities supported by the prince.
The guests were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – who were at their first royal engagement following their wedding – as well as the hosts, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Each professional was nominated to attend by a member of Macmillan staff in their region, for the outstanding contribution they have provided to support people affected by cancer.
Following a speech made by Prince Harry about his father’s work over the past 50 years, guests were invited to speak to the royal hosts, and listen to musical entertainment by the Band of the Welsh Guards and Borough Welsh Choir
Caroline, who launched a Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre at the Concourse in Skelmersdale last year, said: “I felt very honoured to be nominated and then very excited when the invitation came through.
“I would have been more than happy with just the nomination, which recognised the work that we are doing in West Lancashire, but to then receive the invitation was the icing on the cake.
“The event commenced with the Royals coming onto the back steps at Buckingham Palace.
“Harry gave a warm and witty speech, which warmed the audience.
“The royal family then went on a walkabout, but Harry and Meghan left shortly after the speech after speaking to a few nominated people.
“I feel very proud to be working for Macmillan and very honoured to have been chosen to attend.
“I have worked for the NHS for 39 years so this was extra special, considering I have only been in post since September 2016.
“It was a memorable day, and I loved every minute of it, but I am fully aware that the achievements we have made so far is with the help and support of West Lancashire CCG, the cancer services team at Southport Hospital Trust, Macmillan itself and especially the team - my amazing assistants and the great volunteers we have.”
Without such dedicated professionals, Macmillan would not be able to provide vital services to people affected by cancer.
If you have been affected by cancer and would like information and support from Macmillan, contact Caroline and the team on 01695 656533 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call the Macmillan Support line on 0808 808 00 00.