Lisa Hunter: BEM

Lisa Hunter has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to the community in Maidenhead throughout the pandemic.

A Rotarian at Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club, Lisa played a vital role in helping more than 120 vulnerable households across the town in the early stages of the pandemic.

Although the number of people in need of assistance has since dropped, the 40-year-old and her fellow Rotarians continue to help those in need.

The Rotary Club helped residents by picking up groceries, prescriptions and even walking dogs for those who were unable to leave the house.

She said that she was ‘rather shocked’ when she discovered she had received the prestigious award.

“It took me a good half hour to stop shaking after I opened the letter,” said Lisa.

“I was honoured, of course, but very shocked.

“It’s what we as Rotarians do anyway, by helping other people as much as we can, but knowing it was so very much needed by so many people and that that little bit of help really did make a difference is what it’s all about.”

“On top of the COVID-19 response project, we also provided food parcels for 23 families who suddenly did not have access to free school meals.

“Every week, I would go to the supermarket and do a massive shop for all those families and then we had delivery people that would go and give it to the families.

“To try and make it a bit of fun

[for the families], occasionally we would put in a recipe card and all of the ingredients to make that recipe.”

Lisa added that one of the parents had sent an email at 6am ‘because her children were so excited to make flapjacks’ that had been provided.