Royal recognition for Dr Kershaw’s Team

Jill Kirkham, Hospice Community and Partnerships Lead, and Joanne Penketh, Hospice Head of Lottery and Donor Stewardship, both attended the lavish garden party on Tuesday 20^th May. Also in attendance was Paul Firth, who runs the Dr Kershaw’s Hospice Choir.

Held in Buckingham Palace’s historic gardens, the invite-only occasion celebrated the hard work and dedication of charity workers across the UK. Prince William, Princess Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall mingled with crowds to thank them for their efforts. Along with exploring the famous gardens, guests enjoyed live music and a menu that included cucumber sandwiches and a sunflower tart.

Joanne Penketh said: “It was fabulous from the minute it started. The weather was glorious, and it was so exciting. Walking through the gates was surreal; the garden was an oasis, so big and beautiful. There was an array of beautiful outfits, with kimonos and traditional dress from all over the world. When the national anthem started, everyone in dress uniform stopped to salute. It was a real ‘pinch me’, once-in-a-lifetime moment – the kind of thing you would normally only see on television.”

Jill Kirkham added: “I felt very honoured to be invited after spending my career working for hospices. It was also great to meet other people who work for hospices, and to see that they are being recognised. Many people don’t realise that Dr Kershaw’s is a registered charity. There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure that we have the funding we need to continue providing end-of-life care within the Oldham community. From our events to our lottery, shops and community fundraising, we put our hearts and souls into ensuring that our work can continue. It was an honour to be part of such a special event.”