A dedicated charity volunteer from Blackburn has been named a Coronation Champion for her work with North West Air Ambulance Charity.
Karen Woods is one of 500 outstanding volunteers who has been recognised by Their Majesties, The King and The Queen Consort as part of the official Coronation celebrations in conjunction with Royal Voluntary Service.
This follows a call out to the nation to nominate their volunteer heroes. Almost 5,000 entries were submitted after a call out to the nomination to nominate their volunteer heroes.
The retail volunteer in the Preston Old Road store impressed judges with her commitment to the lifesaving charity over the last five years.
Speaking on becoming a Coronation Champion, Karen said: “I was shocked when I received the award email, there are lots of volunteers that do wonderful things for the charity, but I’m honoured to have been selected and am excited to be representing our lifesaving charity at a Royal Garden party.
“It’s such a special occasion and I’m delighted to be a part of it, I’ve even bought my fantastic garden party outfit from our Blackburn shop and I’m sure Their Majesties will approve.”
All Coronation Champions have been invited to attend an official Coronation event and Karen is looking forward to attending a Coronation Garden Party on May 3 in the run up to the main event.
She will also receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by Their Majesties.
The Coronation Champions Awards invited people across the UK to nominate their local volunteering heroes who are going the extra mile.
Catherine Johnstone, chief executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “We were completely blown away by the response to the Community Champions Awards and the huge volume of amazing nominees put forward.
“Our judges had a tough job selecting just 500 Champions from an array of thousands of inspirational individuals, who all deserve to be recognised and commended.
“Each of our Coronation Champions displayed a commitment and contribution that far exceeds any expectation and we’re overjoyed to honour and thank them during this exciting point in history.”
Those feeling inspired to try volunteering themselves are encouraged to take part in The Big Help Out on Monday, May 8.
The Big Help Out is another official Coronation project, aiming to encourage newcomers to volunteering, bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation weekend.
The North West Air Ambulance Charity is hosting a Big Help Out event at the Blackburn store on May 8 between 10am and 3pm.
Anyone who would like to volunteer for a couple of hours should email volunteer@nwairambulance.org.uk or call volunteer co-ordinator Mike on 07394 855588.
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