NHS responder Juliet Mosney has been recognised as one of the UK’s most committed volunteers.

Blandford born and bred, Juliet was thrilled to be crowned a Coronation Champion ahead of this month’s celebrations, and enjoyed a prime spot at the Coronation concert at Windsor Castle on May 7.

Their Majesties the King and the Queen Consort, in conjunction with the Royal Voluntary Service, recognised 500 of the country’s most committed volunteers from almost 5,000 nominations.

One of these was Juliet, who currently lives in Salisbury and has been volunteering as an NHS Volunteer Responder since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. But her volunteering journey started long before then, as Juliet explains…

“I grew up in Blandford; my dad taught at the school for over 30 years and has only just, at the age of 85, finished being a Governor there. I went to Blandford Upper School, where I would help younger years with after-school sports clubs and I also regularly visited a dear lady in a nursing home. I remember winning an award from the Lions Club for volunteering.

“At the start of the pandemic, I recall Matt Hancock requesting an ‘army of volunteers’ to come forward to support people in our communities so I signed up with the NHS Volunteer Responder Scheme (nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk).

“I was able to do shopping and collect prescriptions for the vulnerable and those who were shielding. Volunteering helped me, as I live on my own, don’t have a garden, and was able to get out and about during the strict lockdown rules. People were overwhelmed to have their vital supplies delivered and most loved a socially distanced chat.

“I took my 15-year-old nephew as my escort to the Coronation concert. We were blessed with a glorious, sunny evening in the company of the Royal Family, whom I could clearly see from my seat.

“I was most struck by the strong theme running through the concert of a King who has already given so much and who is so talented. He is a kind, compassionate King.

“I was very moved watching the Coronation service at home with my parents, with such a strong theme of service and inclusion throughout.

“Volunteering was very much key to the whole Coronation weekend of celebrations and I will continue to do my bit to serve my community and those in need.”