Long-standing volunteer Audrey Broad has been awarded the Order of Mercy medal for her years of charity work offering help to thousands of people.

Audrey, 88, who volunteers with Gravesend hospice care charity ellenor received the medal at awards ceremony at The Mansion House, in London on Thursday July 25, in the presence of HRH Princess Katerina of Yugoslavia, The Lord Mayor of London (Locum Tenens) and many other distinguished guests.

The Rt Hon the Lord Lingfield, president of the League of Mercy said: “Mrs Broad has done extraordinary work for those most in need. She is a marvellous example of someone whose long-standing and voluntary dedication to the service and welfare of others is noteworthy and remarkable and we were delighted to be able to make this well deserved award to her.”

Audrey’s husband Albert - known to everyone as Rusty - died under the care of ellenor and she was so moved by the compassionate care he received that she decided she wanted to offer help in return.

She joined the charity in 2004 and has helped thousands of bereaved people across Kent in times of need. Audrey has played a crucial part in both establishing ellenor’s Bereavement Group and ensuring its smooth running for the past 15 years.

Audrey, who lives in Dartford and works across North Kent as a befriender volunteer, said: “It was a really lovely day. I will never forget it, it will never leave me. I didn’t expect anything like that, everyone was so kind. I even met with royalty.

"Ellenor is an amazing charity and I cannot thank them enough for everything they did for us. I love to do what I do and don’t think about it. The group I attended all those years ago and the counselling I received really helped me and I wanted to give back and help others in need. Without ellenor’s constant support I would not be here now. I just love it and could never praise ellenor enough”.

Ellenor Interim Chief Executive Vikki Harding said: "Audrey has given so much to our community and should be hugely congratulated, and we thank her for her years of dedication to ellenor. Volunteers support so many aspects of our work and their dedication and support enhances the quality of care we provide, so it is wonderful to see one of our longest serving honoured in this way.

"As part of our holistic approach to end of life care, ellenor’s Bereavement group supports dozens of bereaved people every week. Many people cite the importance of this group in helping them come to terms with their loss, stating that they do not feel they could have coped without peer support. Audrey has been the face of the group and is well known throughout Dartford, Gravesend and Swanley for her kindness and generosity during a most difficult time in our bereaved carers lives."

David Foulger, children’s team driver and Pat Allen, a reception and finance volunteer, were also awarded the Order of Mercy in 2014 and 2016 respectively in recognition for their significant and outstanding volunteer contributions to ellenor.

To find out more about the bereavement support that ellenor offer for both adult and children please call 01474 320007 or visit https://ellenor.org/wellbeing-services.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend