Professor Catherine E. Mason, HM Senior Coroner for Leicester, has received national recognition for Outstanding Achievement at the Muslim Community Service Awards.
Organised by the Muslim Community Association, the awards celebrate individuals who have made a meaningful and positive difference within Muslim communities across the UK.
Professor Mason was honoured for her pioneering work in promoting non-invasive virtual autopsies. By using MRI and CT scanning to determine cause of death, her approach offers greater dignity to the deceased and significantly eases the burden on bereaved families in Leicester.
Picture: Catherine E. Mason
Her national reputation for expertise and ethical leadership—highlighted at the 2024 National Burial Council (NBC) Conference in Leicester—was instrumental in this latest accolade.
Suleman Nagdi MBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire, commented:
“This award is so richly deserved. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Cathie since her appointment through my roles with the Muslim Burial Council of Leicestershire and the NBC. Her deep compassion and tireless dedication have been truly inspiring. She has been an unwavering source of support to families in their times of greatest need. Her service has been exceptional, and Leicester is fortunate to have her.”
Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby added: “Professor Mason’s award reflects her outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to coronial services. Her work has set a national standard—particularly her efforts to reduce the need for invasive post-mortem examinations.”
In response to the award, Professor Mason said: “I’m deeply humbled and honoured by this recognition. This award belongs to everyone who has supported me on this journey. If my work has brought even a moment’s comfort to families during their darkest times, then every effort has been worthwhile.”
The awards ceremony was held on 9 July at the Royal Regency Hotel in London.
