An Oakham lady who has raised more than £20,000 for local charities during the last two decades has been presented with a British Empire Medal.
Friends and family gathered as Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Air Commodore (Retd) Andrew Griffin, conducted a special ceremony for Jane Jones who was recognised for her hard work fundraising for numerous charities within the local community.
Speaking at the event, Air Commodore Griffin said: “Jane should be truly and deservedly proud of everything she has done and I extend my congratulations to her.”
Jane has raised money for a number of local charities including:
Rainbows Hospice – raising money so they can continue to provide services including palliative and end of life care, together with support for families as well as providing respite.
East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme – provides equipment to a group of doctors who give their time voluntarily to assist the ambulance service at the scene of serious accidents
Air Ambulance – an active fundraiser including a regular book stall on Oakham Market.
The charity has indicated that ‘the figure raised by Jane Jones has paid for around 4 missions, and a whole day’s worth of flying for their charity. Her contribution alone would have effectively saved four people’s lives’.
The British Empire Medal was first established in 1922 for ‘service worthy of recognition by the crown’.
It was retired in 1992 by the then Prime Minister, but then revived last year as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.