Bethlem Hospital volunteer awarded the Benemerenti medal

Margaret White, a volunteer Sacristan to the chaplaincy team at Bethlem Royal Hospital for nearly 15 years, has been presented with the Benemerenti medal by Bishop Pat Lynch.

A thanksgiving service was held at the Bethlem chapel for Margaret and was led by Bishop Lynch - the first ever Catholic Bishop to visit Bethlem. He awarded Margaret the Benemerenti medal in recognition of her generous work and commitment to the Bethlem chapel. The prestigious award is given to those who have exhibited long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church, their families and their community.

Margaret has now retired but during her time at Bethlem chapel she worked patiently and faithfully to maintain the chapel so that patients, staff and visitors would find it welcoming and peaceful. She also provided refreshments after services, tended to plants and helped the chaplaincy team.

Mary Yates, Matron, said: "The care has not just been demonstrated in her practical work but is also evident in the compassion she has shown by sensitively responding to service users in distress, listening to and encouraging those who have stopped by and helping people to practice their faith.

"Her service to others reflects her own deep and enduring faith. With Margaret there is a sense of calm and no fuss, she never seems to be in a rush, our lives are richer because who have encountered her on our journey.

"We congratulate her on her achievement and her generosity, we wish her well in her retirement and we hope that we can keep the spirit of genuine care and nurturing alive in the chapel that she has enriched for so long."

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