Nottinghamshire Hospice was incredibly proud to be represented in London this month, where two exceptional members of our community received tawards for their services.

Joanne Brunner, Chair of our Board of Trustees, and Cath Butler, one of our valued Wellbeing Volunteers, were recognised by the League of Mercy Foundation for their dedication, compassion and voluntary service.

Although Joanne and Cath support the hospice in different ways, they share a commitment to helping others and making a positive difference. We are delighted to see their contributions recognised with this special honour.

Recognising Joanne’s outstanding leadership

Joanne’s award comes as she prepares to retire as Chair of Trustees later this year.

After more than 17 years in the hospice sector, including almost 9 years as Chair of Trustees at Nottinghamshire Hospice, Joanne has made a lasting contribution to both our organisation and the wider hospice movement. Joanne initially joined Nottinghamshire Hospice as a Trustee before becoming Chair. More recently, she has also represented our region nationally through her role as East Midlands Hospice Chair with Hospice UK.

Throughout her time with us, Joanne’s leadership, commitment and passion have helped to guide Nottinghamshire Hospice and support its continued development. Her influence has extended beyond our own organisation, contributing to the hospice sector across the East Midlands and nationally.

We are incredibly grateful for everything Joanne has given to Nottinghamshire Hospice, the people we support and the wider community. Receiving the Order of Mercy is a fitting recognition of her exceptional voluntary service.

Joanne will remain with the hospice until a replacement Chair is found, and we look forward to celebrating her contribution more fully in the coming months.

Celebrating Cath’s care and commitment

We are equally proud of Cath, whose work as a Wellbeing Volunteer provides valuable support to the people who use our services.

Many of you will have met the warm smile of Cath, when we hosted activities onsite. Cath became one of the friendly faces who would welcome guests each morning. Our Wellbeing Volunteers play an important part in creating a compassionate and supportive environment. Through the time and care she gives, Cath helps to make a meaningful difference to patients and families.

Her Order of Mercy is a wonderful acknowledgement of that contribution, and we hope Cath, her family and everyone who has supported her feel enormously proud of this achievement.

Joanne and Cath represent some of the very best of volunteering at Nottinghamshire Hospice. We offer them both our heartfelt thanks and warmest congratulations on receiving the Order of Mercy.