County four are honoured with royal recognition
BEMs GIVEN FOR SERVICES TO COMMUNITY
A WOMAN who has helped hundreds of terminally-ill people and their families, another who helped deliver food packages during Covid, a charity stalwart who knitted hundreds of jumpers to help children abroad and man who has devoted decades to grassroots football have been honoured for their service to their communities.
The county’s Christine Gatfield, Beverley Greenwood, Coral Kelham and Henry Lillystone were named in the New Year’s Honour List 2024 and have now been presented with their medals by the Lord-Lieutenant at a ceremony at County Hall.
Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire Mike Kapur presented four British Empire Medals (BEM) at the ceremony in Glenfield, held on Monday, April 22.
Mr Kapur said: “I am so pleased that we were able to gather to recognise four of the best examples of community stalwarts in Leicestershire.
“It was a real pleasure and privilege for me, in my role as LordLieutenant, to present these honours to each of the deserving individuals.”
Christine Gatfield was honoured for services to the terminally-ill.
She set up Dove Cottage Day Hospice in Stathern in 1996 to provide respite care to help families struggling to look after dying relatives at home and has helped thousands of families in Leicestershire and Rutland.
Beverley Greenwood received her BEM for services to the community in Glenfield during the Covid-19 pandemic, including helping in the formation of the Glenfield Community Food Hub.
Miss Greenwood helped build and jointly lead a team of volunteers to ensure those who were shielding or self-isolating were able to access essential support, arranging food deliveries and working with local pharmacies to deliver prescriptions.
When Covid-19 cancelled Christmas celebrations, Beverley adapted the Santa Sleigh Run, retaining the lockdown rules throughout the 15 routes, allowing children to see Santa from a distance and allowing families to enjoy Christmas.
Coral Kelham was honoured for services to the community in Barrow upon Soar.
In 1964, Mrs Kelham was a founding member of the Barrow upon Soar Methodist Chapel Ladies Circle, which was set up to provide support and friendship to the young women of the village.
She has also knitted hundreds of jumpers benefiting children in Eastern Europe, India and Africa via the charity International Aid Trust.
Also receiving their BEM at the ceremony was Henry Lillystone, for services to youth football.
Mr Lillystone is also the Fixtures Secretary for Leicestershire Foxes Sunday League.
He has almost 60 years of experience in football, where he began as a qualified referee at 16. He now officiates games across the country.
Speaking about Leicestershire’s BEM recipients, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said: “I give my warmest congratulations to everyone receiving medals today. Thank you for your contributions and achievements. Our honours system brings out the best in Britain and is a way to celebrate the success of people across the country.”