A Bermondsey community champion, who started a free baby bank to help struggling young families, has received an official invite to the King’s coronation as one of the ‘volunteer heroes’ of the UK.
Kathleen Heather is one of 500 outstanding volunteers to be chosen as the nation’s Coronation Champions.
This follows a call-out across the UK for people to nominate their volunteer heroes. Kathy volunteers with Love North Southwark, a charity behind a local food pantry in Slippers Place.
Known locally for her years of commitment to the area, she impressed judges with her food pantry and Betty’s Baby Bank where young families can get free baby clothes and nappies. She also runs activities for the elderly in Bermondsey including bingo.
“I was so shocked,” she said.
“I do this work because I love helping people – you never expect to get recognition for it.”
All Coronation Champions have been invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations.
Kathy received two invites to the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert on Sunday.
“I’m taking my daughter – she loves Take That so she is over the moon,” she said.
Shortly before receiving the good news, Kathy lost her mum, Betty, who was also a big character in the community.
“Mummy was the first person I told. I went straight down to Albins – she would have been so proud.”
“The former king died on her 18th birthday so she couldn’t celebrate because the whole country was in mourning. So when the late Queen was crowned, that was when she was able to celebrate. So I would have taken her.”
They will also receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by Their Majesties.
Kathy was among the 5000 others who were nominated to receive the award.
With the support of Her Majesty The Queen Consort, a passionate advocate of volunteering and President of Royal Voluntary Service, the Coronation Champions Awards were launched to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country at this momentous point in history.
Catherine Johnstone CBE, 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 volunteer, bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation weekend.
To kick off the coronation weekend, Kathy will be having a family fun day on Friday, May 5 at the food pantry at Slippers Place – with a bouncy castle, pie and mash and drinks.
Anyone is invited to attend.
Love North Southwark Food Pantry, 4-5 Gataker St, SE16 2EN