Two devoted volunteers from ellenor, a Kent charity providing care and support to children and adults living with life-limiting conditions, were recognised for their outstanding service with an invitation to His Majesty The King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 20 May.
Pat Allen and Lesley Gould, both long-serving and much loved members within ellenor, were nominated by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the charity’s work supporting children and adults living with life limiting conditions across Kent and Bexley.
ellenor delivers 90% of its care in the home, providing holistic care addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs for patients and their families. The invitation to Buckingham Palace is a wonderful recognition of their tireless dedication to the ellenor community.
As a volunteer host, Pat is often the first friendly face people see when they arrive offering a warm welcome, helpful information and a comforting presence in what can be a challenging time. In a hospice setting, where emotions run high and uncertainty looms, Patricia’s role is crucial, creating a sense of calm and connection for all who walk through ellenor’s door.
Lesley Gould, ellenor’s chaplain, offers spiritual and emotional support as part of the charity’s holistic approach to care. She plays a vital role in ensuring those who need her feel heard, supported, and comforted during some of life’s most challenging moments.
“This recognition is a wonderful tribute to the commitment Pat and Lesley have shown over the years,” said Sue Piper, ellenor’s said Sue Piper, ellenor’s Director of Income Generation, who also attended the event with Jacquie Hackett, ellenor’s Director of People and Development.
“Their dedication, whether through direct support or being a warm and welcoming presence for families, makes a real difference. As ellenor celebrates 40 years of care, we’re incredibly proud to see them honoured in this way.”
“It was an absolute joy to see both Pat and Lesley celebrating with the wider team – a well deserved recognition of the compassion and generosity they’ve given to ellenor over so many years.”
Pat said “”This invitation to attend the King’s garden party on 20th May is such a great honour and I hope I can do justice to such a grand occasion.”
Lesley Gould, ellenor’s Chaplain said: “It was an incredible honour to be invited to His Majesty The King’s Garden Party. I feel truly humbled to have been nominated, especially alongside Pat, who has given so much to ellenor. Supporting patients and families during such a sensitive time in their lives is a great privilege and this recognition is really for everyone at ellenor who works so hard to offer care, compassion and comfort when it matters most.”
Before travelling to London, the group gathered in the ellenor garden in Gravesend for a photo opportunity. The King’s Garden Party celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact in their communities, and for Pat and Lesley, it was a chance to celebrate their years of hard work supporting ellenor.
ellenor relies on the support of 343 volunteers who help provide vital care to families facing life-limiting conditions. Volunteers like Pat and Lesley are crucial in enabling the charity to offer high-quality hospice care at home, ensuring families receive the best possible care during the most difficult of times.
For more information about ellenor and how you can support the charity, please visit www.ellenor.org or call 01474 320007.