The High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire awarded certificates to long-standing staff and volunteers while learning more about the vital work of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Francis Burkitt DL visited the charity’s hospice in Milton with his wife, Jo, and Jonathan Jelley MBE JP.
They were given a tour, including the opportunity to meet children and families on the care floor, before Francis presented High Sheriff’s Certificates of Appreciation to colleagues Sandra Holmes, Helen Thrower and Sallyann Parkin, as well as tireless volunteers Mick Housden and Graham Shipley.
“I was delighted to be given the chance to celebrate and thank some of those who do so much to support EACH’s work,” he said.
“EACH is widely known and highly regarded as one of the very best organisations in our county, doing so much for children and families across Cambridgeshire.
“It’s the people who help deliver that exceptional care and support, and I can’t speak highly enough of the wonderful staff who work here.
“Likewise, the amazing volunteers who selflessly give their time.
“Cambridgeshire is blessed with around 4,000 charities, and every single one of them can only function thanks to their dedicated staff and armies of wonderful volunteers.
“That’s why I was so thrilled to honour and recognise the contribution made by people like Mick and Graham here at Milton.”
The High Sheriff also left certificates for Housekeeper Ohla Hlukhodid and volunteers Elaine Hallworth and Lynn Saunders, who were unable to be present during his visit.
Before presenting the awards, the visiting party was given a tour by Community Fundraisers Victoria Goldsmith and Georgia Knight, before spending time with EACH’s Head of Care Transformation and Development, Lucy Brumpton, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, David Bartholomew.
Among the key topics of conversation was the organisation’s new care strategy, which was launched earlier this year and sets out how it plans to grow and transform services to support more families.
It is underpinned by seven key commitments, and one of them is ‘We will be inclusive’. This means welcoming every child, young person and family who needs support, ensuring no-one is left out.
Peterborough is a key focus within Cambridgeshire, given its diversity and the wide range of communities that call the city home.
“We were delighted to welcome the High Sheriff, his wife, Jo, and Jonathan, and greatly appreciate them taking the time, to visit us,” said Lucy.
“The interest they showed in our work and the positive conversations throughout were both encouraging and inspiring, and we appreciated the opportunity to discuss how we can continue making a positive difference in our community.”
