St Giles Hospice volunteer awarded British Empire Medal for service to the community
St Giles Hospice volunteer awarded British Empire Medal for service to the community
A long serving volunteer at St Giles Hospice has been recognised with one of the country’s highest honours for her dedication to the local community.
Joan Fairley, aged 94, from Tamworth, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her outstanding voluntary service and commitment to supporting others over many years. Joan has devoted countless hours to volunteering at St Giles after her husband Norman was cared for by the hospice at the end of his life.
Joan has raised over £30,000 for St Giles, with more than £10,000 generated entirely through her famous homemade jams and chutneys which she sells at the Whittington hospice and outside her home. Joan has become an integral part of St Giles, having volunteered on reception in previous years and continuing to support the hospice’s operations with unwavering reliability. Her presence has brought comfort to families during their most difficult moments, embodying the compassionate care that St Giles represents.
Joan’s exceptional volunteer work has gained national recognition. In 2023, she was invited to join members of the Royal Family at Westminster Abbey for the Together at Christmas concert hosted by the Princess of Wales, an honour extended to just 1,600 people nationwide for their community and charity work.
Joan was presented with her medal, on behalf of His Majesty the King, on Wednesday 3rd June at County Buildings in Stafford.
As part of the celebrations surrounding her award, Joan was also invited to Buckingham Palace last month (May), where she attended a special garden party alongside other inspirational people being recognised for their contributions across the country. Joan was accompanied by her two daughters.
Joan said: “I love volunteering at St Giles because of the incredible care and support my husband received at the end of his life.
“Norman said to me “you will help them for me, won’t you?” – and that’s what I have been doing ever since.
“The people at St Giles are like an extended family to me. They are wonderful people, and it means so much to be able to give something back.”
Sarah Keenan, Group Volunteer Manager at St Giles Hospice, said: “Joan’s kindness and support have touched the lives of so many people connected to St Giles Hospice. This recognition is incredibly well deserved and all of us at St Giles are immensely proud of her.”
St Giles Hospice provides specialist palliative care to local people, and their loved ones, living with a terminal illness. More than 800 volunteers play a vital role in helping the hospice deliver its vital services.
To find out more about volunteering at St Giles Hospice, visit www.stgileshospice.com/support-us/volunteer/
