Joanne Brunner, a devoted volunteer at Nottinghamshire Hospice, has been honoured with the prestigious Order of Mercy medal in recognition of her exceptional dedication to end-of-life care. The award was presented at a special ceremony in London, attended by HRH Princess Katerina of Yugoslavia and other distinguished guests.
Award Recognises Selfless Service
The League of Mercy organisation bestows the medal to individuals who voluntarily give their time to help others in hospitals and community settings. Mrs Brunner's longstanding commitment to supporting patients and families at Nottinghamshire Hospice made her a standout candidate for the honour.
The Rt Hon the Lord Lingfield, President of the League of Mercy, praised Mrs Brunner's contributions, stating: “Mrs Brunner is a marvellous example of someone whose longstanding and voluntary dedication to the service and welfare of others is remarkable and we were delighted to be able to make this well-deserved award to her.”
Historic Charity Continues Tradition
The League of Mercy was originally established in 1899 by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, to encourage voluntary service in hospitals and charitable institutions. After a period of inactivity, it was refounded as a nationwide registered charity in 1999, continuing its mission to recognise unsung heroes like Mrs Brunner.
Nottinghamshire Hospice provides specialist palliative care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families. Volunteers like Joanne Brunner play a vital role in delivering compassionate care and companionship to those in need.
Community Celebrates Achievement
The award has been warmly welcomed by the hospice community, highlighting the profound impact of voluntary work in end-of-life care. Mrs Brunner's recognition underscores the importance of such contributions and serves as an inspiration to others considering volunteering in healthcare settings.
