TWO volunteers who support Marie Curie in Bradford and across the region have been recognised by The King and The Queen Consort for as part of the official Coronation celebrations.

Christine Hamilton-Stewart MBE and John Holden, patrons of the Marie Curie Bradford Hospice, have been recognised by The King and The Queen Consort in conjunction with Royal Voluntary Service for their contributions by being chosen as Coronation Champions.

Christine has supported Marie Curie as a senior volunteer and patron for many years.

She was a leading light in the appeal to build a hospice in Bradford in 1998 and over the years has raised millions of pounds for Marie Curie’s palliative services in Yorkshire.

John has been actively involved as a senior volunteer for Marie Curie for 10 years and is chair of Marie Curie’s Yorkshire Development Board.

Over recent years, John and Christine have helped raise several million pounds to support end-of-life care for patients and families delivered by Marie Curie at the hospice in Bradford and in patients’ homes across Yorkshire.

Commenting on the pair being chosen as Coronation Champions, John said: “I know that the care and kindness shown by Marie Curie doctors and nurses to those at the end of their lives has always been an inspiration for Christine and me.

“Supporting this care is more important than ever and we are honoured to be chosen as Coronation Champions for our part in fundraising for Marie Curie work across Yorkshire in the hospice and in the community.”

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.”

End-of-life charity Marie Curie provides essential care both in people’s own homes and in its nine UK hospices for people with any terminal illness.