Long standing Hospice volunteer receives the Order of Mercy

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We are delighted that one of our long-standing volunteers, Brenda Evans, was nominated and chosen for the Order of Mercy.

This is an award granted by the League of Mercy who honour up to thirty volunteers per year, who have provided outstanding volunteer service and honours. Letters of support for Brenda were sent by colleagues at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Brenda has been volunteering for the Charity for over 25 years, in many roles. She currently donates her time at the Regent Street Shop in Cambridge, at the Retail Hub in Pampisford, in the Living Well Service, as a Caring Communities volunteer and has delivered Sugarcraft making sessions in Arthur’s Shed and been a volunteer driver.

Female smiling a the camera — Brenda volunteering in the Living Well Lounge

Emma Hartley, Living Well Service Joint Team Lead commented:

“We are so lucky to have Brenda! She has supported the Living Well Service for a huge number of years and is a dedicated, loyal volunteer who has always committed to regular and constant support.

She often advocates for patients, especially those with communication needs, who she sits with to ensure they are part of the group setting so they have a chance to share their views on topics discussed.

The team always appreciate her positive attitude and willingness to help out in anyway to make the patient experience as enjoyable as possible. She has been and remains brilliant!”

Female holding a jacket, smiling at the camera — Helen at the Regent Street Shop

Helen Sheppard, Shop Manager at the Charity’s Regent Street shop added:

“Brenda definitely deserves this award. She is in her late seventies yet still cycles across Cambridge in all weathers to volunteer in our Charity Shop on Regent Street every single week.

She is an invaluable member of our team, the clothes department really benefits from Brenda and the work she puts into hanging, tagging and steaming the clothes for us without complaint but is actually done with care and attention to detail.

The other three volunteers and myself look forward to her arrival, we have a laugh together and achieve such a lot in such few hours.”

Brenda was invited to a ceremony and informal tea held at Haberdashers Hall in London. She attended the ceremony on 3 July 2026, with her husband Stuart, who was a Trustee and Chair of Trustees at Arthur Rank Hospice during many of the major changes at the Charity.

Female wearing red jacket and medal — Brenda wearing her medal

Following her nomination Brenda shared:

“It has been a joy and a pleasure throughout my 25 years of volunteering at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. I have been lucky to see through many changes of staff and building and I have always felt I have got back so much more than I have given.

I am both amazed and delighted to be given this prestigious award and gratefully receive it on behalf of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity which does such wonderful work in our community.”

Female sitting on an arm chair, smiling at the camera — Chris Barker

Chris Barker, Caring Communities Co-ordinator concluded:

“I was very pleased when Brenda signed up to become a Caring Communities volunteer in 2022. She has all the right qualities for a befriender; she is empathetic, caring, puts people at ease with her calm manner and isn’t daunted by any situation.

She always endeavours (and succeeds) to connect with an individual in whatever way is significant to them and carries around a book of what she describes as ‘silly poetry’ with her to lighten the mood when needed. She has supported patients at the very end of life where verbal communication has been lost, often as a gentle presence reading to them or providing a hand massage.

Brenda is hard of hearing and where others may avoid situations because of this, she confronts them head on and copes admirably. Her ethos is that those who can volunteer should!

In summary Brenda is a very kind and unique individual who gives so much to others, whilst being unassuming and modest. She is highly regarded both with staff, her fellow volunteers and the patients she supports. It is a pleasure and honour to have Brenda on the team, and the world needs more of her kind. She is a most deserving recipient of the League of Mercy award.”