King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
The Sussex Heart Charity is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Our work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award. Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, the King’s birthday.
Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as a social support network for disabled adults in Banffshire; a charity using a refurbished pool as a community hub in south Wales; volunteer doctors providing pre-hospital care across rural Cumbria and a village renewal organisation promoting sustainability, equality and social inclusion in County Antrim.
Representatives of The Sussex Heart Charity will receive the award crystal and certificate from Mr Andrew Blackman, Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex.
Jason Palmer, former chair and long serving volunteer of The Sussex Heart Charity said:
“The Sussex Heart Charity is the only dedicated cardiac care charity in Sussex led by an enthusiastic team of volunteer trustees. I am absolutely thrilled and delighted that the work of all our volunteers – past and present, who give up their free time to help at events, including our fundraisers and supporters too – are to be formally recognised with this Award. Looking at the other recipients of the award this year, they all seem equally incredible and inspiring. I am therefore surprised, but so glad, to be receiving the Kings Award for Voluntary Service on behalf of The Sussex Heart Charity. It is truly an honour; I could not be prouder. “
