Four people who were honoured for their service to their communities in the New Year’s Honour List 2024 have been presented with their awards by Leicestershire’s Lord-Lieutenant.
Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire Mike Kapur OBE presented four British Empire Medals (BEM) at the ceremony, held at County Hall, Glenfield.
The BEM recipients were:
· Christine Gatfield, for services to the terminally ill. Mrs Gatfield 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. She has helped thousands of families in Leicestershire and Rutland.
· Beverley Greenwood, for services to the community in Glenfield during Covid-19, including assisting 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, she 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, 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 knitted hundreds of jumpers for children in Eastern Europe, India and Africa via the charity International Aid Trust.
· 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.
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 Lord-Lieutenant, to present these honours to each of the deserving individuals.”
Speaking about Leicestershire’s BEM recipients, Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Oliver Dowden CBE MP, 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.”
